Although it took a 20-0 straddle over the last 3 and 4 quarters to take cover, Team USA did not miss the start of their friendlies campaign with a 43 win. points. Admittedly, opposite, it was only about Puerto Rico, but it should be recalled that last year, Nigeria had disposed of the United States, and Steve Kerr takes every friendly match very seriously since his players have a very meager collective experience.
“We made a few mistakes in the first half that allowed Puerto Rico to hang on”points out Kerr. “I think we had a 10-point lead and lost the ball a couple of times which allowed them to resist. These are good lessons because it’s a 40 minute game, not 48 minutes. »
But overall, Kerr appreciated the performance of his players. Only Josh Hart did not come into play.
“It’s a very good evening for us”who unlocked his victory counter as coach of the United States. “I think the players have assimilated well what we are trying to put in place on both sides and we are slowly but surely getting used to the rules and interpretations of FIBA, including us coaches. »
Anthony Edwards makes his power speak
In this FIBA context, Anthony Edwards (15 points, 4 interceptions) seemed like a fish in water, and it was he, in the 3rd quarter, who broke the Puerto Rican lock.
“Anthony was very good”, believes the coach of the United States. “He adapts very well to the FIBA game thanks to his physicality, and on both sides of the pitch. He can go into contact because they allow contact on drives, and he can go into contact with his strength. Using that same power defensively, he is able to hold off attackers and keep them from penetrating. »
About the FIBA rules, Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled to stay on the pitch, multiplying the fouls. He had talked about it before the meeting, so he will have to get used to it. But overall he prefers this type of basketball. “It’s great with this rule change. We can be much more physical. The backs can be much more physical up top and orientate towards the big ones down below if we do a good job of reading the game, in a sort of game of cat and mouse, where we can get more counters and block . It’s really about getting them to miss and forcing them to take hard shots close to the circle.”
The impact of Tyrese Haliburton
As the 20-0 second half showed, the United States will rely on their wealth of squad to make the difference, like a real steamroller. “I think our job, for us substitutes, is to watch how the game is going and what the pace is, and see how we can have an impact when we come on.” describe Tyrese Haliburtonauthor of 12 assists.
The Pacers point guard combined perfectly with Austin Reaves, but also Cam Johnson, and Kerr seems to have found the right formula with a starting five made up of Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. “I think it works well” concludes Ingram. “We have two scorers on the wings, a playmaker who organizes everything, we have the best defender of the year, and we have Mikal who moves everywhere and who finds clear shots. It’s a good dynamic. »
Next opponent: Luka Doncic’s Slovenia on August 12, in Malaga.
