Team USA faced their most significant challenge thus far in the FIBA World Cup, securing a hard-fought victory against Montenegro with a final score of 85-73. After the game, Team USA’s head coach, Steve Kerr, shared his thoughts on the intense matchup.
Kerr acknowledged the unique style of FIBA basketball compared to the NBA and praised Montenegro’s game plan. “These games are tough,” Kerr said. “FIBA is a different brand of basketball than the NBA. Montenegro had a great game plan.”
He recognized the physicality and pace-control tactics employed by Montenegro but highlighted Team USA’s strategy of wearing down opponents over the course of a game.
“We understand teams are going to be physical and slow the game down and they did a good job of that. But our whole thing is we feel like over 40 minutes we can wear the other team down if we stay solid,” Kerr explained. “I think our guys stayed solid the whole game.”
Despite the game’s lack of aesthetics, Kerr commended his team’s unwavering commitment and competitiveness, emphasizing their resilience in every possession.
“I think our guys stayed solid the whole game. It wasn’t pretty as [Tyrese Haliburton] said, but we just kept competing in every possession and in the end we move on. So we’re happy,” Kerr concluded.
The victory secured their place in the quarterfinals, alongside Lithuania, setting up a showdown to determine the winner of Group J on Sunday.
