Team USA is currently hoping to turn their form around at the Olympics. In their opening game, Gregg Popovich’s team suffered a shock defeat to France thanks to performances by Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert. Team USA is in the hunt for their fourth consecutive Olympic Gold medal.
And starting with a loss is not the way they wanted to begin their campaign. Kevin Durant and company are scheduled to face Iran tomorrow, with many fans expecting them to get the win against a much weaker opponent.
But Team USA has had its struggles in the past against weaker opponents. Not just during the game, but before the game too. In 2014, Team USA was taking on New Zealand at the FIBA World Cup. Before the game, as is tradition for all New Zealand sports teams, the basketball All-Blacks took to the court to perform their traditional Haka, a combat dance that serves as a rallying cry before they enter into a competitive environment. During the performance, some of Team USA’s players were left mesmerized by their performances. Players like Derrick Rose and James Harden were completely stunned.
Team USA did get back into the zone, as they went on to defeat New Zealand 98-71 thanks to an incredible performance from Anthony Davis. But clearly, the Haka had them intimidated for a moment. The US showed a lot of character to be able to defeat New Zealand after that great display before the game. And that kind of character will be crucial for them during the rest of their Olympic campaign.
Team USA has come under heavy criticism during their friendly games and at the start of the Olympics for looking unmotivated and complacent. They have the talent in their team to secure the Gold. But if they don’t turn their performances around, the US could be in for a shock at the Olympics like 2004.
