The expectations were high ahead of Team USA’s first preparation game against Nigeria on Saturday night. Everybody expected Gregg Popovich’s team to put up a show and dominate their rivals. Little they knew that Mike Brown’s squad had a surprise.
Before the beginning of the game, people were pretty confident that the team would start things the right way, easily beating the African side. One of those was Rob Perez, who warned Nigeria and the rest of the teams that will take part in the upcoming Summer Olympics.
Perez shared a picture of the team’s starting lineup with a curious caption.
“Good luck, world.” The Twitter personality wrote.
good luck, world. pic.twitter.com/UFL1V8qjUu
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 11, 2021
Just like Perez, more fans claimed Team USA would not lose against their rivals.
Even if the rest of the world assembled their best players, they wouldn’t beat this team
— Paradise Capper (@InvestorSports1) July 11, 2021
Should be team USA vs team universe, bring the aliens too, that's the only hope for world to beat Team USA. 😂😂😂😂
— Salani (@Salani88) July 11, 2021
1-4 are some of the best scores on the planet and the 5 is one of the best defenders with all due respect everyone is shaking.
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) July 11, 2021
The world: pic.twitter.com/jjljttqp6Q
— Hobby Shmurda (@HobbyShmurda) July 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/PackerNish/status/1414047002598457344
Nobody:
Team USA pic.twitter.com/Z83HHw6C2O
— KloutMachine (@KloutMachineTM) July 11, 2021
Damn, we ain’t losing a game
— Andiego Bryl (@andrewbryl) July 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/javeywaves/status/1414044132713111559
Nigeria: pic.twitter.com/Vb9NXNnOcw
— Chad (@ChadBlue83) July 11, 2021
40 minutes later, Nigeria won the game, 90-87, pulling off an incredible upset over Team USA. Of course, Perez reacted to that just like the rest of the world.
oh dear.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 11, 2021
just lost to the Miami Heat’s load management lineup. pic.twitter.com/AZ4ni3nE2K
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 11, 2021
He missed that one but owned it and then showed why he was convinced that game was a lock for the US.
seriously, though, this was only 9 years ago. the olympic record for the biggest margin of victory ever. for them to come this far this quick, exhibition or not, is ridic impressive. pic.twitter.com/HqgRxOZkAZ
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 11, 2021
Their history with Nigeria in the Olympics only made us think they would win without any problem. But, this is FIBA basketball, and anything can happen. After the game, many people called the team out, and Precious Achiuwa even took a shot at Kevin Durant after a huge block on the 2x NBA champion.
After the match, Perez warned the world again, posting a picture of the Nigerian squad instead.
good luck, world. pic.twitter.com/2mrUKZuB3U
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 11, 2021
This was a reality check for this team. Even though they have a terrific roster, they shouldn’t get too comfortable, as the rest of the teams will do anything to beat them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MxUE64wxHI
