Team USA Notebook: the sense of purpose permeates the imminence of the beginning

by



[ad_1]

Team USA Notebook: a sense of purpose infiltrates the approach of the announcement

Canada's Kevin Pangos, right, passes his arms through the United States' arm, Jayson Tatum, during their basketball game show in Sydney, Australia on Monday, August 26, 2019. (AP Photo / Rick Rycroft)

By John Schuhmann, NBA.com

SHANGHAI – The US men's national team held its second training session in Shanghai on Friday, with one more day before opening the World Cup with a match against the Czech Republic on Sunday. It turned out to be their last training session before the competition as head coach Gregg Popovich canceled Saturday's session.

Once the competition begins, the United States will play every other day, with three changes of venue between the first round and the semi-finals (if the Americans succeed). So, the practice time could be somewhat limited in the future.

But games against new and unknown opponents are probably a better opportunity to improve than practices. The first matches should be held without too much pressure, and it may be a good thing that the Americans have already been under pressure to prepare for the World Cup.

No abandonment

Of course, the United States lost this second qualifying match against Australia last Saturday. The Americans had problems at both ends of the debate, but it was really their defense that really let them down, giving 98 points on 84 Australian possessions (1.17 percent).

It was an exhibition, but it was the first defeat of a US team entirely composed of NBA players since the semi-finals of the 2006 World Championship. It's a long series of victories to be completed .

"Obviously, the moment was zero," said Brook Lopez of defeat. "But it was definitely good for us, in the perspective of the World Cup."

Defense is synonymous with effort and energy. And in a 40 minute match, a constant effort and energy is all the more important.

"We can not take part of a match for granted and our level of intensity can never go down," Lopez said. "On the contrary, he has to increase every game." We gave up as a group, after defeating Australia in the first game, they unveiled everything they had. overview of the concentration and concentration we have to have all the time here in China ".

The next day's film session was not easy, but according to Kemba Walker, they did not need to understand what was wrong.

"I think we knew it before we even watched a movie," Walker said. "It was difficult, and you know, Pop can be pretty tough, we knew, and I think that's why we fought against Canada. [on Monday] as we did. It was a very humiliating loss. And I hope that [feeling] will bring us on this bump. "

The victory over Canada was the US team's worst offensive performance in terms of exposure, but the outclassed Canadians scored only once in their first 10 game wins (and only nine points in the first quarter).

The United States can stifle some of these less talented teams (like those they face in Group E). But against the best teams in the tournament (like Australia, which they could face in the quarterfinals), it takes both effort and a defensive cohesion.

"They have a very selfless team that passes the ball very well," said Lopez. "[Andrew] Bogut, in particular, is such a huge hub for them. "

Bogut suffered an ankle injury during the loss to Australia against Germany on Wednesday, but it would be "likely" for his opening match against Canada on Sunday.

Grateful for Turner

Myles Turner was one of the best players in the United States during his five-game show. Not only did he record boxscore figures (averaging 15.2 points and 12.7 rebounds), but the United States was also at its best with him on the ground, outshooting his opponents by 48 points. 83 minutes.

The fact that Turner appeared while the referral center was a relief to USA Basket General Manager Jerry Colangelo, who was not sure what he would get out of his group of great men.

"We were looking for someone to get out of the pack and he did," Colangelo said Friday. "He's had two or three big rebound matches, he's very active, he's active, he'll get some rebounds and block throws."

Colangelo was not totally surprised by Turner's game, though.

"I hoped that it could be [the starting center], "he said," because it was said that he had had a great summer on a personal level. "

Good news for the United States and maybe good for the Indiana Pacers.

No time to be an idiot

Popovich was asked what he wanted to do in his spare time in China. Unfortunately, free time is limited when you play every other day.

"There are things I would like to do," said Popovich, "I know I will not have time to do it, because the focus is on what we do right here".

What would he really like to do? Well, the coach is an explorer.

"Especially to go out and walk," he said, "to see neighborhoods and walk and not be with anyone, not be able to speak the language and feel silly.

"Walk around, go into a place, see what's going on and see what you see, it's more fun when you're in another country and you take off, you do not assume anything and you do not." someone who tells you where to go, you just see where you end up, I do not know if I'll have the chance to do it, so I'll go to the restaurant at night. "

The action starts on Saturday

The United States play their first game on Sunday, but the World Cup begins Saturday with the games of groups A, B, C and D. Two games on Saturday: Poland against Venezuela in group A and Nigeria against Russia in Group B. – are between what appears to be the second and third best teams in these groups. And as two teams from each group qualify for the second round, first-round matches could determine which teams will succeed.

Saturday will also bring the first action of Andray Blatche and the Philippines, who will face Italy (with Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari) in Group D.

John Schuhmann is Senior Statistics Analyst for NBA.com. You can send him an e-mail here, find his archives here and follow him on Twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.

[ad_2]

Source link