Team USA ‘got the Monstars’ claims South Sudan HC after loss despite holding Stephen Curry to 3 points

Team USA beat South Sudan 103-86.

Team USA ‘got the Monstars’ claims South Sudan HC after loss despite holding Stephen Curry to 3 points

After loss, South Sudan HC Royal Ivey dub's Team USA as the 'Monstars' despite holding Stephen Curry to 3 points at the Paris Olympics 2024

Before today’s encounter with South Sudan, Team USA’s superstars had only one flashback constantly reminding them of what could have happened. That is, they could have lost to Africa’s newest country had LeBron James not scored that game-winning shot. In today’s game at the Paris Olympics 2024, the Americans dominated and won, even though SSD head coach Royal Ivey‘s players held the likes of Stephen Curry to just three points.

After the loss, the former NBA player was asked by reporters what the difference was compared to the closely fought friendly. He replied: 

I mean, we kept Steph Curry to three points. Jayson Tatum to four points. Those are the best players in the NBA. But it still wasn't enough. Usually, when you do that in games, you win games. And you got the Monstars over there.
Royal Ivey via BasketNews

In the friendly, which ended with a difference of just one point, it was apparent that South Sudan had a combination of length, speed, and three-point scoring that almost proved lethal. In today’s game, Team USA utilized the strength of their depth to make two crucial changes that changed the dynamic of how they played.

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By starting Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis, the Americans countered. They continued with that thought process when using Bam Adebayo as the focal point of attack. That collective force of All-NBA players was a bit too much for Royal Ivey and the South Sudanese. Justifying the ‘Monstars’ monicker.

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Team USA qualifies for the knockout round with a game to spare

This drubbing was the second double-digit win for Team USA. After outscoring Serbia by 26 points, today’s 17-point cushion firmly places them at the top of Group C of the Paris Olympics 2024 men’s basketball tournament. Their combined point differential of 43 points and head-to-head records means their place is confirmed in the knockout rounds.

The final game against Puerto Rico will be interesting. Either Team USA can go all out and create a new record for the highest-scoring game, or they can rest players and take it easy. It would be wise to rest the veterans on this team ahead of the knockout rounds. As they might not get another opportunity like this anymore.

At the same time, they could let the younger stars take over. That way, they can get crucial minutes in, and get their form ready, just in case the need arises in the closing games at these Olympics. This further proves the point that this USA team, is too strong for anyone, even possibly for the 1992 Dream Team.

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