After Team USA’s decisive victory over Brazil in the Olympic men’s basketball quarterfinals, coach Steve Kerr emphasized the need for vigilance ahead of the upcoming semifinals against Serbia. Despite two prior wins over Serbia, Kerr cautions against complacency, especially with the looming threat of Nikola Jokic. The Americans have tremendous respect for Jokic, a three-time MVP and NBA champion, recognizing his ability to dominate and change the dynamics of a game.
Steve Kerr is fully aware that past victories do not guarantee future success. In the first game of pool play, Team USA handed Serbia a 26-point defeat, and they repeated the feat with another 26-point victory in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on July 17. However, Kerr wonders whether Serbia and Jokic might have been playing a long game, potentially saving their best strategies for the high-stakes semifinals.
“We can’t get lulled to sleep because we beat them twice,” Kerr said. “We have to be prepared for their best effort. We’ve got to think about what they are going to do differently. Jokic, I guess he could play 40 minutes. What else do they have up their sleeve?”
Jokic, one of the most respected players in the Olympics, has proven his worth time and again. As a three-time Most Valuable Player and NBA champion, he has led Serbia with impressive statistics: 19.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Jokic’s efficiency is remarkable, shooting 60% from the field. His presence on the court has been crucial for Serbia, outscoring opponents by 43 points when he is playing and being outscored by 12 points when he is on the bench.
In their previous match against the U.S. on July 28, Jokic’s impact was evident. During the 31 minutes he played, the score remained even. However, in the nine minutes he sat, the Americans outscored Serbia 29-3, a stretch coinciding with a red-hot shooting performance from Kevin Durant, which even Jokic might not have been able to counter.
Serbia’s resilience was on full display in the quarterfinals when they staged a historic comeback from 24 points down to beat Australia in overtime. Jokic was instrumental in this victory, with Serbia being plus-17 with him on the court and minus-12 during the seven minutes he was on the bench. These numbers underscore Jokic’s critical role and why Kerr speculates that Serbia might limit his rest time in the semifinals to maximize their chances of pulling off an upset.
“I guess we’ll be ready for that,” said Joel Embiid, who is likely to get the start against Jokic. “If that’s what they think they have to do to try to beat us, then they won’t hesitate to do that.”
Team USA is preparing meticulously for the semifinal clash, acknowledging the possibility that Serbia might come up with new strategies. The Americans are not underestimating their opponents, despite the comfortable victories earlier in the tournament. They understand that Jokic’s ability to influence the game can turn the tide in Serbia’s favor if they are not adequately prepared.
Kerr’s emphasis on vigilance and preparation highlights the respect Team USA has for Jokic and Serbia. The semifinals are set to be a high-stakes battle, with both teams aiming for a spot in the final. The Americans are focused on maintaining their intensity and not letting past victories lead to complacency.
The respect for Jokic is mutual among the American players, who have watched him dominate in the NBA and lead Serbia on the international stage. His versatility and basketball IQ make him a formidable opponent, capable of creating opportunities for his teammates and taking over games when needed.
As Team USA gears up for the semifinal showdown, the focus remains on strategic preparation and staying alert to any adjustments Serbia might make. The anticipation for the clash is high, with basketball fans eager to see how the two teams will match up in this crucial encounter. The outcome will not only determine who advances to the final but also reflect the adaptability and resilience of both squads. Team USA is ready for the challenge, fully aware of the threat posed by Jokic and the Serbian team.
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