'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Team USA need to be more alert at the start of games
As mentioned earlier, the USA struggled to play well in the first quarter of their clash against the Czech Republic.
Trending
Their overall play was very casual, something that needs to change as they approach the medal rounds. While they were able to recover against a modest opponent like the Czech Republic, that may not be the case against stronger teams in the knockout rounds.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
USA turned the ball over too many times in the opening minutes and also made poor decisions regarding their shot selections. They also did not move the ball with much fluidity in that stretch.
#2 Team USA fared well under pressure
Team USA made sure they were able to stay composed despite their poor first quarter. They stuck to their game plan and continued to make shots that eventually tilted the game in their favor.
It is a great testament to the fact that they have learned how to tackle pressure situations like that after their dismal outing against France in their Tokyo Olympics opener.
The quarter-finals could present a formidable challenge for the USA, as the level of competition is likely to be higher. There is a chance the Americans will see a lot of lead changes, but after their showing against the Czech Republic, it doesn't seem like that would bother the team too much.
#1 USA need to figure out how to attack the paint more
The USA attempted more shots from beyond the arc than they did from inside against the Czech Republic.
They made 48 attempts from the three-point line and 31 from the 2-point range. While they have found success with their long-range shooting form for two games now, that may not necessarily be the case going forward.
Their lack of size has been a worry so far, and could hurt them. Considering the same, head coach Gregg Popovich and co will need to prepare the team to find ways to get more to the rim than they generally do. That will give the Team USA offense more versatility and make them more unpredictable to play against.
