Steph and Kerr detail key challenges facing Team USA in gold medal match Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
After Steph Curry’s heroic performance on the exciting day of Thursday Comeback victory over Serbiahe Warriors and Team USA superstar We are now fully focused on Saturday’s gold medal match against France.
While still enjoying a game that defined a legacy on the world stage, Curry detailed that NBC Bay Area the challenges that await him as he attempts to overcome the final hurdle that stands between him and his first Olympic gold medal.
“The challenge is to turn the page and prepare to face a team we haven’t played yet,” Curry said. “We knew Serbia very well after three games, but France is playing very well. I think they made a couple of changes to the rotation after the group stage and they’ve thrived thanks to the support from their home country.”
“I know it’s going to be a battle, that’s what it’s supposed to be when you’re trying to win a gold medal. I think we’ll be focused on the strategy and game plan that will help us be successful. Then it’s just going to be a matter of going out there and being the killers that we are, which we’ve shown throughout the tournament.”
France, host country of the Paris 2024 Olympic Gameswill likely have considerable home-field advantage in Saturday’s gold medal match. Curry detailed the importance of Team USA staying focused on playing with confidence, and also cited how the Americans’ thrilling win over Serbia provides a significant boost against France.
“We expect them to play the game of their lives because they’re going to have the adrenaline of playing at home,” Curry said. “They’re in a great moment after these last two games. You have to expect them to play really well, but we also expect that from ourselves. Learning the tendencies of the guys, who we’re playing, what’s made them successful so far, trying to take that away from them.”
“In the end, we have to play with confidence. I think (Thursday’s win over Serbia) will help us deal with adversity at the level we did, because we know the crowd is going to be loud and nasty to them, as they should be. We have to be able to handle the emotions of it all.”
Team USA overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit against Serbia, outscoring its opponent 32-15 in the final quarter to earn a commanding victory. Curry praised Team USA’s collective effort in Thursday’s iconic fourth quarter, before highlighting the importance of maintaining that momentum in Saturday’s gold medal game.
“For us, the challenge is not to overthink every possession because you have so much talent, you have so many options,” Curry said. “It was like perfect basketball in that fourth quarter, where you found the right matchup … nothing was forced. So if we take advantage of that, that’s our best version. Hopefully we can do that for 40 minutes and not 10 (minutes) tomorrow.”
When talking to 95.7 The game On Friday, Team USA coach Steve Kerr explained how France has made effective adjustments throughout the Olympics that pose a substantial test for the Americans in Saturday’s gold medal game.
“Well, they completely changed their team a couple of games ago by not playing (Rudy) Gobert,” Kerr said. “They took him out of the lineup, they’re playing smaller, faster players. They’re playing more athletic players and their defense has really improved the last few games. Obviously, we’re going to have a lot of work, they’re playing on their home court and there’s going to be a great crowd. We’re excited, it’s an amazing opportunity.”
Curry has won just about everything there is to win in basketball, and on Saturday… Epic duel for the gold medal Against France, it gives the superstar point guard a chance to secure the only noteworthy accolade missing from his illustrious trophy case.