Team USA had an impressive outing today vs South Sudan in their 2nd game of the group play. This was a testament to their discipline and urgency in such a pivotal time of their lives and what this means for the sport. This article will be more-so focused on what Team USA did well and what they could improve on. I'll be noting some key takeaways that I observed from this matchup.
Pure Domination vs South Sudan
First and Foremost, this was a much better shooting performance compared to the last time these two teams faced off. In today's matchup, Team USA shot 43.3% from 3 and 52.9% from the field overall. In comparison to the last time they played South Sudan where they shot 25% from 3 and 46.75%. A tremendous increase in efficiency and rhythm. The defense was tighter and more cohesive, and they were more active on the boards. There was clear indication that Team USA did not want this team to get hot again and give them the same problems as before.
Key Takeaways:
- Bam Adebayo may just very well be the best center so far on this team. He is proving to the world that he can anchor any team's defense while also having great offensive production. His three point shot is starting to become a consistent thing, which would be amazing for not only Team USA but also for the Miami Heat.
- Stephen Curry is struggling due to style of play. Most plays are being ran through everyone except him and he is being used as a decoy for the gravity of the offense; which works but as a rhythm player, it won't always serve him well. Getting him more involved in the offense would be best but there are no worries for the greatest shooter ever because at some point he will catch fire.
- Derrick White is the perfect glue for just about every team he could possibly play for. He was the controversial choice of replacement for Kawhi Leonard over his teammate, Jaylen Brown. In hindsight consider everything single little thing that he does on the court, it may not have been a bad decision.
- Joel Embiid could be the odd man out. As great as he is, he has slowed this team down in more ways than just offense and we saw today how smooth things were in comparison to when he plays. I'm in no way saying that he shouldn't play, but a lower role on the totem pole could be considered. Only time will tell, This team could absolutely use him in certain matchups but use him when necessary.
Conclusion:
Team USA faces off against Puerto Rico in the next matchup. There aren't really any concerns right now as long as they continue to play as they have in these last two games. The structure of lineups are improving and players are meshing together well. That could strike disaster for their next opponent and only time will tell what will happen.
