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Staff USA booked their berth within the quarterfinal of the basketball match on the Paris Olympics after a cushty 17-point win over South Sudan of their second group stage outing. Many anticipated a detailed affair akin to the thrilling exhibition recreation the 2 groups performed out a couple of days in the past. Nonetheless, the gold medal favorites managed proceedings from tip-off and cruised to victory. However Paul Pierce wasn’t impressed.
On Undisputed, the Corridor of Famer claimed that Staff USA’s efficiency wasn’t extraordinary they usually did the naked minimal to safe the win. He stated,
“I imply it was an excellent win however I wasn’t impressed. There was no level within the recreation the place I used to be like, ‘Oh, man, the US is placing the smacking on them’. Like, after I’m impressed by one thing, I’m leaping out of my seat like in disbelief.”
Pierce added that no person on Staff USA stood out, particularly on the offensive finish. He additionally famous that this was the second recreation in a row the place a participant who got here off the bench led the crew in scoring. Kevin Durant did it within the crew’s first outing towards Serbia and Bam Adebayo was the highest scorer with 18 factors towards South Sudan.
Regardless of not being impressed by the win, Pierce lauded the crew’s stellar defensive efficiency. He stated,
“I like what I noticed defensively. Forcing turnovers, getting out on the break. Derrick White, I imply, he simply always jogs my memory why he’s one the extra underappreciated [Players] on that championship Boston Celtics from this 12 months.”
Pierce claimed that he expects the star-studded roster to seek out their groove and register wins a lot larger than the 17-point hammering they dished out to South Sudan. Whereas the Corridor of Famer wasn’t content material with Staff USA’s efficiency, the gamers and coaches are seemingly ecstatic about their dominant win.
Staff USA cruised to victory towards South Sudan
Earlier than the Olympics commenced, Staff USA discovered about South Sudan firsthand after narrowly beating in an exhibition recreation in London. The match favorites trailed by one level with underneath half a minute left, however LeBron James rescued them from a stunning loss with a game-winning layup.
Going into their second assembly towards South Sudan in lower than two weeks, Staff USA was conscious of the risk they posed and didn’t take their foot off the fuel till the sport’s dying seconds. Nonetheless, some gamers didn’t carry out in addition to they might’ve anticipated.
Jayson Tatum, who didn’t play of their match opener towards Serbia, was handed a begin however couldn’t capitalize. The Celtics famous person completed the sport with 4 factors, 5 rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes.
Stephen Curry’s poor begin to the Olympics continued as he might muster solely three factors and one help in 21 minutes. Solely two starters managed to hit double-digits in factors. James scored 12, whereas Devin Booker completed with 10.
Quite the opposite, 4 gamers who got here off the bench scored 10 or extra factors. Adebayo led the best way with 18 factors adopted by Kevin Durant with 14, Anthony Edwards with 13, and Derrick White with 10.
Whereas Staff USA has secured a berth within the quarterfinals, they wouldn’t wish to relaxation on their laurel once they tackle Puerto Rico of their remaining group recreation on August third. They’d look to offer extra minutes to gamers who haven’t featured a lot within the first two video games however will nonetheless look to register an enormous win to set the tone forward of the knockout section.
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