Team USA’s Recent Performance
Team USA has remained undefeated in their exhibition matches but hasn’t displayed the dominance expected by fans. The team narrowly won against Germany by four points, which highlighted a concerning statistic: Germany attempted 28 more three-pointers than the Americans. This discrepancy is seen as a significant issue that needs addressing.
Steve Kerr’s Concerns
Steve Kerr expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s pace and performance against Germany. He emphasized that for Team USA to be successful, they need to leverage their depth, star power, and high tempo to outmatch their opponents. Kerr noted that Germany’s strategy of slowing the game down was effective, and other teams like Serbia might employ similar tactics.
Kevin Durant’s Injury Update
Kevin Durant, recovering from a calf injury, practiced in a non-contact session. The plan is for him to scrimmage in Paris and be re-evaluated afterward. Durant has been eager to play and is working hard to return to the court. However, Steve Kerr has delayed Durant’s return to ensure he is fully prepared, which has caused some frustration for Durant.
Importance of Caution
Steve Kerr and the coaching staff are cautious due to Durant’s history with calf injuries, particularly during the 2019 NBA Finals. The Suns, Durant’s NBA team, are also involved in the decision-making process to avoid rushing him back and risking further injury.
Kevin Durant’s Impact
Durant is the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men’s Olympic basketball history and is crucial for Team USA’s offense. His ability to score fluidly and efficiently makes him a significant asset. Durant’s commitment to playing despite his injury underscores his dedication to the national team and the upcoming challenge against Serbia.
Conclusion
The next few days are critical for evaluating Durant’s readiness to play. Team USA values his contribution highly, and while there are multiple stakeholders involved, Durant’s determination to participate remains strong. The team aims to address their performance issues and incorporate Durant effectively to maintain their competitive edge in the Olympics.
