Team USA is considered an unbeatable superteam in the Olympics. A quick look at the roster will tell you why.
But on Saturday, Team USA suffered a shocking upset at the hands of Nigeria, marking only their third defeat since 1992.
It was an exhibition match, but a sign that Team USA is beatable.
According to Jayson Tatum, their loss was more just a result of poor chemistry than anything else:
“I don’t know the exact answer (on when we’ll be able to gel). It’s only been four days and we’re making strides. None of us have ever played with each other. So, we’re just trying to figure it out. We know we don’t have three or four weeks or whatever it may be.
It just kind of goes to show that, you know, we have to play better. And, on any given night, the team that plays harder and is more physical—anybody can win. It’s something we can learn from.”
Anytime you put together a group of guys who have really never played together before, it’s going to take some time before they reach their potential as a group.
There is no doubt that Tatum is on to something when he says they need some time to gel.
Unfortunately for Team USA, there isn’t a whole lot of time left for them to get their act together.
