The United State’s slim 86-85 victory over Spain in an exhibition game on Sunday was more proof that the rest of the world is catching up to American basketball. But just as clear in the warm-up to the World Championships was the wide discrepancy in athleticism between the two favorites to win gold.
That’s what makes it so hard for American fans to understand why the U.S. isn’t still dominating like the Dream Team days.
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On Sunday, Derrick Rose got to the rim at will, Stephen Curry picked Ricky Rubio’s pocket and Kevin Durant blocked the game-winning shot. The U.S. team was more athletic and skilled than Spain at every position on the floor.
But they also turn the ball over too much, can’t play pick-and-roll defense and lack the same continuity of other national teams which play together much more often.
There’s no doubt the U.S. players pass the eye test, but will their superior athleticism translate into a world championship?
