After dominating the qualifying round, Team USA will face Brazil tomorrow in a match that determines who advances to the semifinals.
Our Team USA are clear favorites, but coach Kerr warnes against avoiding any distractions, as the opponents will bring the physicality they have displayed so far in the Olympics.
We were the favorites before the games began and we are even more so after three convincing victories in the qualifying round. The upcoming quarterfinal match against Brazil does not seem to present an insurmountable challenge, but as history has shown, it is crucial to avoid any distractions or underestimations.
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized this before the game against Brazil: “They are a very physical team and have grabbed the most offensive rebounds in the tournament.” Kerr continued his analysis, “They also have excellent shooters and won’t back down from a fight: we have to be ready.”
Kerr and the Shortening Marathon
Brazil, whose only current NBA player is Gui Santos from the Golden State Warriors, has had a surprisingly strong Olympics. A standout performance came from former NBA player Bruno Caboclo against Japan: 33 points, 17 rebounds, and absolute dominance in the paint.
Team USA will likely focus on him tomorrow, although Kerr prefers to concentrate on his own team’s pace. “I mentioned that the Olympic tournament would feel more like a marathon than a sprint,” said Team USA’s coach, “but now that we’re halfway through, I’d say it feels more like an 800-meter race: we’re running fast, but not like we’re in a 100-meter dash.”
