In the upcoming semi-finals of the FIBA World Cup, the USA basketball team will face their toughest test yet against Germany. Head coach Steve Kerr believes that how they handle Anthony Edwards will be crucial in securing a win.
Despite having only four NBA players compared to USA’s 12, Germany has displayed impressive size, depth, and remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
Kerr stated, “They have been the best team overall in the tournament. They are well-connected, well-coached, and possess continuity. They are a strong and physical team, so we must bring our A-game to beat them.”
Before the FIBA World Cup, the two teams played a friendly match, which USA won thanks to Edwards’ outstanding performance of 34 points.
The 22-year-old Edwards will face a tough task against the leadership of Dennis Schroder and the rest of the German team, who are highly motivated and determined to win.
The way Edwards’ opponents plan to defend him and whether Team USA can control the overall playing style will heavily influence the outcome of the game and determine which team advances to the finals.
Kerr explained the challenge Edwards faces, “The key is knowing when to attack and when to hold back. We need a balanced approach. In our previous game against Germany, Edwards completely took over. Against Italy, we were exceptionally dangerous when we pushed the ball forward, whether it was Edwards or anyone else. So finding that balance will be crucial.”
The winner of this matchup will proceed to the finals and face the winner of the Serbia vs. Canada game, which will be held before the USA vs. Germany clash on Friday.
Image Source: Steve Kerr @ Instagram
