Steve Kerr explained his players are sensing the end of the journey, so they're picking up the energy, pace, and force.
After enduring a painful Lithuanian blow to the face, Team USA showed their character from the tip-off and left no hope for Italy in a World Cup quarterfinal clash, 100-63.
In the first half of the game, the USA allowed only 24 points (9/37 FG) - the lowest in six matches played in Manila.
For comparison, in their previous USA game on Sunday, the Lithuanians scored 24 in less than the first 9 minutes.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
32
|
| Mikal Bridges | |
| Points | 24 |
| Accuracy | 8-11 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 1 |
This is the 2nd lowest scoring 1st-half by any team in the World Cup quarterfinals, only behind Turkey's 23 vs. Argentina in 2006.
The USA didn't let their opponents breathe. This was the second highest margin at the FIBA World Cup quarterfinal game, after USA vs. Slovenia in 2014 (119-76).
"We lost the last game, so you always want to respond to the loss with a competitive effort. The joy and competitiveness go hand in hand. When you compete, force the energy, get the ball moving, it becomes fun. It doesn't matter who scores or who gets the stats. It becomes about the team," Kerr was proud of his all-around team effort.
"It's been a five-week journey for this group. There are five more days. That's how we look at it," he added.
"The horse starts picking up the pace when it sees it's near the barn. Our guys are sensing the end of the journey, and the energy, pace, and force are picked up. They know the goal, and I have no doubt they'll come out with the same energy and force in the next game," Kerr concluded.
