LeBron James and Team USA superstars called out for not ‘clamping down’ on Olympics opponents

Team USA had to come back from a deficit in both of the final friendlies.

LeBron James and Team USA superstars called out for not ‘clamping down’ on Olympics opponents

Stephen Curry and LeBron James

Team USA has won each of their five pre-Olympics friendlies so far. It showed to the world that the idea of bringing together the best of the best superstars from the NBA is working out. That said, LeBron James just bailed them out in back-to-back games. That has led analysts to point out certain deficiencies in their defense.

The panel of First Take were discussing the previous game against Germany when host Molly Qerim asked if the lack of scoring suggests they need Kevin Durant back. To this veteran analyst, Chris Russo had quite the take.

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If they need to KD to win the gold medal with all those stars, we are in big trouble. I'm not knocking KD. Let's be honest, Embiid, LeBron, Curry...that should be enough. How about giving up 100 points against South Sudan. This is a 40-minute game, not a 48-minute game. Show up and play a little defense.
Chris Russo said

Stephen A. Smith came up with a quick agreeing response to Chris Russo.

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With the collection and players that we have for Team USA, what the hell is going? Stop them from making these shots.
Stephen A. Smith added

Both Chris Russo and Stephen A. Smith agreed on the same logic. Their defense has to get better for the sake of the gold medal.

It could be attributed to the fact that their best perimeter defenders are not necessarily the best scorers. Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards are exceptions but cannot play all the time. It is also what led to South Sudan scoring at will and taking the game to the wire.

If the same is allowed in the Olympics, it could lead to a disaster. Which is why the two analysts want Team USA to shut down the opposition. That is the only way they can dominate teams on their way to a gold medal.

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LeBron James and Team USA will need to step up their game in Olympics

Defense definitely needs to step up. One has to remember that when Team USA beat Serbia, some of Nikola Jokic’s teammates were out injured. If those players put on a shooting clinic, it will be difficult to stop. Joining Serbia are South Sudan and Germany in the same group as Team USA. Suggesting that not only the defensive side but also the offensive side has to improve.

In the last couple of games, three-point shooting has been a worrying sign. Against Germany, the American superstars shot 35% from three. However, against South Sudan, that number was 25%. Prime contributors to those numbers are Stephen Curry, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards. That said, they have to improve their numbers.

Else, during the Olympics, when the stakes are higher and opponents play their best basketball, it will be difficult to win games. The superstars led by LeBron James need to show that they are worthy of their monikers, that of world beaters.

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