Olympics 2021 Men's Basketball: 5 takeaways as Team USA bounce back with 120-66 win against Iran

#3 Team USA can play excellent defense

Kevin Durant (#7) of Team United States looks on against Iran.

One of the hallmarks of Team USA coach Gregg Popovich’s NBA career is defense. On Wednesday, Pop’s team showed their superiority in international competition at both ends of the floor, particularly at the defensive end.

Unlike in their first game when they squandered a seven-point lead in the final minutes against France, Team USA overwhelmed Iran in defense, forcing their opponents to take plenty of contested shots.

Iran made just 37.3% from the field and 34.6% from the 3-point range. The Americans also forced their opponents to cough up the ball 23 times compared to just six times for Iran. Moreover, Team USA had ten blocks and ten steals in a devastating display of total dominance in defense.

Also Check out: USA Olympic Basketball Results 2021

---

#2 Team USA played unselfishly

Team USA basically ran a basketball clinic against Iran, with crisp passes throughout the game resulting in 34 assists. Zach LaVine led the team with eight assists, with Lillard and Kevin Durant registering five apiece.

Damian Lillard is the 4th player in Men's United States Basketball history to make 7 3-pointers in an Olympics game, joining Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Klay Thompson. Anthony has the record for a single game with 10. pic.twitter.com/I53me8O9Gb

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 28, 2021

During multiple possessions, Team USA spread the ball around to look for the open man. They drove and dished until someone had a clear shot at the basket. This was a far cry from their Tokyo Olympics 2020 opener against France, when they only had 18 assists the entire night.

Also Check out: USA Olympic Basketball Team Schedule 2021

---

#1 Loss to France has rejuvenated Team USA

Bam Adebayo (#13) of Team United States dunks against Islamic Republic of Iran.

After a tentative first few minutes of the game, Team USA finally pulled away in the first quarter with a 28-12 lead, one they wouldn’t relinquish. The players hardly gave up easy baskets, communicating well, both offensively and defensively.

Damian Lillard says international players 'are completely different when they play for their countries' pic.twitter.com/ZvqAEkwkOi

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 25, 2021

The look of determination on Team USA was apparent in their demeanor on the court. When Bam Adebayo was accidentally hit on the face in the second half, the Miami Heat center didn’t even acknowledge the Iranian’s apology as if to show that he was all business.

The same went for the rest of Team USA as they put the clamps on Iran from the first half, with their opponent making just 33% of their 2-point shots from the field.

You may also like: NBA Trade Rumors: Montrezl Harrell part of LA Lakers package to acquire Buddy Hield