USA’s Old Guys Defeat Serbia, Embiid’s Moment, France Beats Germany, and an Olympic Gold Medal Game Preview
Aug 9, 2024
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Vincent Collet, the head coach of France's national basketball team, shares insights on the thrilling dynamics of international basketball. He discusses Team USA’s incredible comeback against Serbia, featuring standout performances from Steph Curry and Joel Embiid. Collet also highlights his team’s impressive victory over Germany and the potential of young star Nolan Traore for France's future. The conversation touches on the blend of experienced players and emerging talent, emphasizing the evolving landscape of global basketball.
Team USA's comeback against Serbia highlighted the vital role of veteran players like Steph Curry and Joel Embiid in high-pressure situations.
France's impressive victory over Germany and the emergence of young talent like Nolan Traore signify the growing competitiveness in international basketball.
Deep dives
The Historical Cyberattack on Sony Pictures
In 2014, a significant cyberattack on Sony Pictures marked a historic event in Hollywood history. Hackers infiltrated the company’s computer servers, exposing a vast trove of confidential documents, emails, and unreleased films. This breach not only caused financial turmoil for Sony but also led to heightened tensions between the U.S. and North Korea, as the attack was linked to the release of the controversial film "The Interview." The repercussions of this incident resonated throughout the film industry, highlighting vulnerabilities in digital security and the potential consequences of hacking.
Team USA's Performance and Challenges
During a recent Olympic matchup, Team USA faced intense competition against Serbia, with star players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry leading the charge. Despite an underwhelming start, the team rebounded in the fourth quarter, with Curry delivering a standout performance, scoring 36 points. However, the match also showcased weaknesses, including a slow start where Team USA fell behind by 15 points, raising concerns about their complacency against top-tier opponents. Ultimately, this game illustrated the necessity for veteran players to step up in crucial moments to secure victories against formidable teams.
Individual Player Highlights
Joel Embiid emerged as a critical player for Team USA during the game, proving his importance in high-pressure situations, especially in the fourth quarter. Despite earlier criticism regarding his performance in international play, Embiid's ability to score seven consecutive points was vital for shifting the momentum in favor of the United States. His performance not only redeemed his status on the team but also showcased his potential as a key contributor. The match served as a testament to his evolving role, transforming from a perceived luxury to an essential component of the team's success.
Future of International Basketball Rivalries
The growing competitiveness of international basketball was evident as countries like France and Serbia continuously elevate their game. With rising stars such as Victor Wembanyama emerging in France, the landscape of global basketball is shifting, posing a challenge to the U.S. dominance. As these nations gather talented players who excel in both international and NBA settings, the rivalry is set to intensify in future competitions. This new dynamic suggests that the U.S. will need to adapt and build strategically to maintain its status as a powerhouse in the sport.
Verno and KOC discuss Team USA’s incredible rally against Serbia to make it to the gold medal match on Saturday against France (01:25). They dive into Steph Curry’s 36-point performance, Joel Embiid's run in the fourth quarter, how amazing it is to see the older players still able to play a pivotal role on the team, as well as where the future of Team USA stands. They then discuss France’s thrilling victory over Germany and why France’s head coach, Vincent Collet, deserves huge credit for getting the French team to the gold medal match (16:22). Next, they discuss French prospect Nolan Traore’s importance for France’s future, and delve into the extremely disappointing showing by the Canadian basketball team (31:34). Also, the guys discuss Lauri Markkanen’s contract extension with the Jazz and why Utah is on the right track to become a contender once again (42:01).