SUMMARY
- Team USA's head coach, Steve Kerr isn't afraid that the team will lose at any point despite a tough win against South Sudan.
- Kerr praised LeBron James for his relentless ability to lead a team.
The 2024 Olympics is all set to commence in a couple of days in Paris and things are about to get extremely competitive for Team USA Basketball. Over the last two weeks, this team of elite athletes has been ripping apart their opponents during friendly matches and it seems like the United States is headed towards another gold medal.
However, the American team recently played against one of their hardest opponents yet, South Sudan. The latter managed to have a dominant start to the game and finished the first half leading by 14 points. But Team USA closed the distance and cut the chase to single digits in the third quarter all thanks to Joel Embiid. And after a neck-and-neck fourth quarter, it was LeBron James who hit a game-winner to help his team extend their win streak.
Steve Kerr gives credit to South Sudan despite a narrow loss against Team USA
Steve Kerr, the head coach of this team recognized that Team USA struggled to limit South Sudan from taking over. Following the game, he took the blame for failing to coach the team in the right direction but still expressed his confidence in the team. He said, “I think because it was a friendly [match], I think we let our guard down as a team, as a staff for sure.”
He added, “But what we’ve learned with USA basketball is that the gap has closed. You know, Nigeria beat us in a friendly [match] in ’21 in Las Vegas. It’s not a shock to see a team from South Sudan play really well… The game has gotten better across the globe. But we still feel like we always control the outcome with our performance.” Kerr is also aware that Team USA needs to be able to adjust quickly on defense which will allow them to stay in any game regardless of scores.
LeBron James’ leadership is pivotal according to Steve Kerr
Despite Kevin Durant being the captain of the United States basketball team right now, LeBron James has taken up a lot of responsibility in his absence. Durant has been dealing with a calf injury. The Olympics’ leading point scorer claims that it’s a minor injury that has to be monitored regularly. Chances are he will resume his journey in this year’s Olympics. But Steve Kerr loves having James take over leadership responsibility.
Game on the line. All the best players in the world. Who did Team USA turn to for the last shot?
LeBron James. 👑 pic.twitter.com/dQRlghw78u
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 21, 2024
He said, “On every single drill he talks. He’s even in a shootaround walkthrough his voice behind the play, yelling out what’s happening, yelling out the scheme, his leadership by example. The guy is incredible and I mean I’ve known that forever, but to see it up close is pretty special.” Team USA is currently preparing to face Germany in their final exhibition match before facing Serbia again in the group stages on July 28.