MANILA, Philippines — It wasn’t the start everyone expected from Team USA. They led the first quarter by only one point after having been down by 10 at one point early in the quarter — a surprising beginning to their campaign.
Offensively, there were stagnant possessions despite the attempt to run half-court sets. The problem often came whenever the initial set bogged down and there was no plan B or C to lean on, forcing the Americans to improvise hastily either through “Angle” or high ballscreens, or the good old isolation possession.
Defensively, the Americans were surprised early on by the Kiwis’ rim pressure and apparent ease in terms of getting paint touches.