The Summer Olympics are approaching, and Team USA’s men’s basketball team is gearing up with high expectations. They recently played exhibition games in Abu Dhabi, UAE, defeating Canada 86-72 on July 10 and Australia 98-92 on July 15. However, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry struggled in their latest matchup.
Against Canada, Curry scored 12 points, making three out of six three-point attempts. But in the game against Australia, he had a tough time, managing only three points and shooting one for six in 21 minutes of play. Despite the victory, Team USA faced challenges, particularly in defense.
“We gave up a lot of points on back cuts, offensive rebounds, and so the game shifted. It’s a good learning experience for us,” remarked Team USA coach Steve Kerr, as reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “It’s better to learn these lessons now than later. We’ll review the tape and improve.”
Team USA has one more game scheduled in Abu Dhabi before heading to London for their final two exhibition matches. Their next opponent is Serbia, and they will kick off their group stage campaign against them on July 28.
Curry logged more minutes against Australia than he did against Canada, earning his second consecutive start for Team USA.
Despite not playing NBA-level minutes, Curry’s shooting performance of one for six from three-point range was surprising. In the previous NBA season, he played 74 games and made one or fewer threes only six times. Additionally, last season marked the end of his streak of 268 consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer.
Although Curry didn’t see the same minutes he typically would in an NBA game, his shooting performance of one for six from three-point range was surprising. During the previous NBA season, Curry played in 74 games and made one or fewer threes only six times. Additionally, his streak of 268 consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer came to an end last season.
Curry expressed satisfaction with the win over Australia despite his own struggles shooting.
“Just gotta get the win. We have a lot to improve on, but it was positive vibes today,” Curry said as he left the court following the victory.
Curry made a crucial shot during a pivotal moment. His three-pointer halted Australia’s 7-0 scoring streak in the second quarter. Throughout the game, Curry also contributed with one rebound, one assist, and two steals.
In his NBA career with the Warriors, Curry has amassed an impressive list of achievements that virtually ensure his place in the Hall of Fame:
– Four-time NBA Champion
– Two-time MVP
– 10 All-Star selections
– Two-time scoring champion
– 10 All-NBA selections
– All-Star Game MVP
– NBA Finals MVP
– NBA 75th Anniversary Team selection
However, his success with Team USA is often overlooked. Curry clinched the FIBA World Cup title for the United States in both 2010 and 2014. Surprisingly, despite his stellar career, he has never competed in the Olympics for his country.
“It’s still early. We’re just over a week in and trying to continue the vibes of figuring out what the strengths of this team are and how we need to play. It’s been an amazing experience so far,” the Warriors star told reporters on July 14.
Curry described his excitement about the upcoming Olympics by likening himself to a kid in a candy store.
“Everything about the Olympics, I’m like a kid in a candy store because I’ve never experienced it before,” said Curry.
