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LAS VEGAS – Team USA’s men’s basketball has come under intense scrutiny over the past five days, with the basketball community expressing huge disappointment at the departure of the unprecedented team from 0-2 before the Tokyo Olympics.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, the face of Team USA, relaxes in his hotel suite at the Aria Resort & Casino.
“I’m fine myself,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “I didn’t really leave my room with the health and safety protocols we follow. I don’t really watch much [NBA Finals] basketball. I’m just here to hoop and stay safe and get better. The shit people say don’t bother me. It’s all a matter of context.
The United States lost a shock to Nigeria 90-87 in the friendly opener on Saturday and followed with a stunning 91-83 loss to Australia two days later. Prior to facing Nigeria, the United States were 54-2 in shows since 1992.
They finally managed to get out of the schneid on Tuesday by routing Argentina 108-80.
Head coach Gregg Popovich has only been able to put together a few fewer training sessions since training camp started last week. Durant said the reason he wasn’t fazed by the slow start was because he knew what the team would face once camp started.
“We are a team that continues to come together and try to find our identity,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “We have so many great players that you can play in so many different ways, and we are sometimes indecisive in defense and attack. In our midst to find out, these teams are established and they perform their sets. We are working on our sets. The stars were sort of aligned so that we were losing from the start. “
There is the argument that with the abundance of talent on Team USA, and whatever the lack of preparation time, those shortcomings should not materialize.
Durant noted that the context was important.
“It’s easy to say that after two losses without any context,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “Let’s just look at each team’s list and you can find the answer. If you’re looking for NBA talent, these teams have it. Understand where we are as a team and then you can make some assumptions for yourself. We all have the best players in the league, but these national teams also have NBA players, who are now the # 1 options and they are used to playing that role internationally. We always adapt as a team, and that’s no excuse. There is a lot of context that people need to understand. We didn’t expect to lose a game, but losses are coming. We are going to get it right.
If they want to find continuity, it won’t be in the form of team gatherings in Las Vegas. Most gamers, with the exception of a few, spent most of their downtime with family and friends.
“Whether we know each other or not, our jobs are on the basketball court,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “All that extra s *** about bonding and all that other stuff is cool, but you win games by playing and performing. It’s my aim. We just have to take the short ready to work. We are looking to experience real progress as a team. We don’t look at it like we’re going to come here and blow everyone up. We know it’s going to be tough, and that’s good. It’s a competition.
The Brooklyn Nets superstar being here is a miracle in itself following his return from a horrific Achilles tear that cost him the entire 2019-20 season. Durant almost single-handedly pushed the Nets forward to the Eastern Conference final.
After an injury like that, as well as the workload he adopted at the end of the playoffs, he said there was no doubt he would not join the Olympic team if he was. in fairly good health.
“I just feel like it’s what I’m supposed to do with my life,” he told Yahoo Sports. “What am I supposed to do?” I didn’t need anyone to motivate me to play for my country. If I needed this, I wouldn’t be here.
The United States have two more exhibition games in Las Vegas before leaving for Tokyo next week, against Australia on July 16 and against Spain on July 18. Durant and company will have the chance to prove that they are a better team than they were a week ago.
This Olympic go-around, gold will not be as accessible as it has been for previous American teams, although BetMGM has always listed them as favorites for the gold medal (-400). But it’s a fight Durant says they’re willing to accept.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy, and we’re ready to go to work,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “Our objective [of winning gold] did not change. We will be ready.
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