News

Team USA Dominates Iran After Critical Adjustments

Following a loss to France on Sunday, the U.S. Men’s basketball team found its form Wednesday afternoon during a 120-66 rout against Iran.

It was the first win of the Olympics for the men’s basketball team. The victory was only possible after head coach Gregg Popovich made some serious adjustments to the game plan and rotation following Sunday’s loss to France. First and foremost, Popovich changed the starting lineup. He inserted Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker. Both players came off the bench against France after traveling to Japan late following the NBA Finals.

The improved lineup brought balance to the team and paid off as the team produced 19 fast-break points in the first half alone. In addition, Damian Lillard, who surprisingly struggled with his shot against France, exploded for 21 points, all of which came from seven three-pointers. Team USA improved their three-point shooting drastically after only converting 10-of-32 shots from beyond the arc against France. Against Iran, they shot 48.7 percent from the three-point line. Booker scored 16 points and grabbed five rebounds, Jayson Tatum had 14 points and Zach LaVine tallied 13 points. It was a well-rounded effort.

“Being in the hotel, at meals, and on the practice court and just talking after that loss, we came together,” Lillard said. “It’s time to start looking like Team USA.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“Each of these guys scores 20 or 25 points for their teams; we can’t play like that, and so we don’t,” Popovich said of the team. “Everybody in a sense is a role player now; we don’t need heroes.”

The United States will face the Czech Republic on Saturday. A win over the Czechs will clinch a berth into the medal round next week.

Allan Perez

Recent Posts

Diontae Johnson Excited To Move From Panthers To Ravens, Could Help In Playoff Push

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is reportedly settling in well with the Baltimore Ravens after the…

10 hours ago

What Happened To Aaron Judge? After Yankees Fall Short In World Series, Fans Are Asking Questions

Aaron Judge seemed to flip the script on his disastrous World Series and postseason with…

10 hours ago

As The Yankees Collapse In World Series, Free Agency Battle For Juan Soto Begins

The New York Yankees' 2024 season came to a screeching halt Wednesday night when the…

2 days ago

Dodgers Win World Series In Game 5, Yankees Blow Five-Run Lead In Disastrous Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win…

2 days ago

Brad Pitt Makes Surprise Appearance At Mexican Grand Prix To Shoot His Movie, ‘F1’

https://youtu.be/Y69VZZt9rt4 Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance at the Mexican Grand Prix’s practice round on Oct. 26.…

2 days ago

76er’s Joel Embiid Stays In NBA News Even While Not Playing

Joel Embiid’s name came up twice in NBA news this week as he continues to…

3 days ago