Kerr Calls For Greater Effort As Team USA's Olympic Campaign Nears
Steve Kerr, the coach of the United States basketball team, is urging his players to elevate their intensity as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics. Kerr expressed dissatisfaction with his team's recent performances in warm-up games against Germany and South Sudan.
Germany held a 71-68 lead at the end of the third quarter before LeBron James scored 11 points in the final four minutes, securing a 92-88 victory for the USA. South Sudan nearly caused a major upset, leading until the last 20 seconds before losing 101-100.
Kerr emphasised that maintaining high energy and focus throughout the game is crucial. He stated, "It's got to be 40 minutes of force and attention and focus, and we can't let teams outplay us effort and energy-wise like we did the other night against Germany, like we did against South Sudan."
The USA will face Serbia on Sunday, a team featuring reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Kerr insists that improvements are necessary if they aim to secure a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. He believes his team has more potential to unlock.
"We have another level. I think we have another two levels that we can get to, but it's a collaboration, always," Kerr said. "We can show them, 'Let's do this, let's do that. Let's learn personnel.' We got to know the shooters, know the non-shooters, all that stuff."
Importance of Effort and Energy
Kerr highlighted that while coaches can guide players on strategies and personnel, it ultimately comes down to effort and energy from the players themselves. "Where they can help themselves is just effort and energy play after play, after play," he added.
Kerr's experience as a four-time NBA champion coach and a member of the victorious Tokyo 2021 Olympics team adds weight to his expectations. He believes winning another gold medal would enhance their Olympic experience significantly.
Final Group Stage Matches
After facing Serbia, the USA will compete against South Sudan again in a competitive format before concluding the group stage with a match against Puerto Rico.
"This should be one of the great experiences of our lives. But the best way to make it an incredible experience is to win a gold medal," Kerr remarked.
Extra shots up for Book, KD & LeBron! pic.twitter.com/LkfmyZr9LE
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 25, 2024
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