(Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Team USA almost suffered a shocking, embarrassing defeat at the hands of South Sudan over the weekend.
They were ultimately able to win their latest exhibition game on the way to the Olympics but it was much closer than fans expected.
On Monday’s “Undisputed,” Rachel Nichols said this game was a reminder that Team USA’s road to winning a gold medal won’t be easy.
“I think they win gold, but I don’t think any team they face in this entire run can be taken for granted,” Nichols said.
.@Rachel__Nichols revisits Team USA’s gold journey after a scare vs. South Sudan:
“I think they win gold, but I don’t think any team they face in this entire run can be taken for granted.” pic.twitter.com/ie4G0AQ34M
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 22, 2024
The problem, Nichols claimed, is that other teams can outshoot the Americans at times.
That is exactly what happened during the game against South Sudan.
The underdog team continually posted shot after shot that seemed to find the basket against all odds.
Additionally, Team USA didn’t play strong defense, especially in the first half of the game.
Head coach Steve Kerr had to make some big adjustments at halftime and his team came out much stronger after that.
Team USA caught up to South Sudan and eventually won but it was an incredibly close game and they found victory by only a single point.
Nichols cautioned that things will only get harder in the weeks ahead.
When the Olympics kick off, Team USA will be odds-on favorites to win but they will be challenged by some of the best international players around.
Their near-loss to South Sudan proves they need to enter every single game as if everything depends on it.
Will Team USA learn and grow from their game against South Sudan or is the road ahead going to be rocky?
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