Team USA had an embarrassing loss against France. Will the Americans unleash their true force against the Iranians? Or will Iran put up a gallant stand and make the biggest shock ever in the history of Olympics basketball by beating Team USA? Check out our preview of this game below.
Team USA is looking so vulnerable right now after dropping its first game in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in an 83-76 loss to France. It was an especially disappointing loss for the Americans given how bad the stars who were expecting to provide the pop in their offense performed in the clutch. Kevin Durant went just 4/12 from the field for 10 points, while Damian Lillard went just 3/10 for 11 points. Still, Team USA is a force to reckon with and that loss could serve as the true wakeup call for Gregg Popovich’s squad. A game against one of the weaker teams on the field will be a nice opportunity for Team USA to regain its mojo. Durant should be able to have his way against the Iranians, as well as the likes of Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Zach LaVine. There’s still not a more talented unit out there than Team USA, so watch out for it in this game.
Asian powerhouse Iran also lost its first game in the tournament against the Czech Republic, 84-78. If anything, the loss could be taken as a moral victory for the Iranians, who managed to avoid an embarrassing loss, thanks to a huge fightback in the final period. The Iranians used a 32-17 salvo in the final period to cut a 21-point lead by the Czech Republic down to just six by the end of it all. Behnam Yakhchalidehkordi led the Iranians with 23 points, while big man Hamed Haddadi showed he’s still got it by scoring 21 while pulling down 10 rebounds. Iran is going to need something short of a miracle to defeat Team USA, but if those two show up again and the pair of Mohammadsamad Nik Khahbahrami and Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi puts up better performances, Iran could look more competitive than what many people expect.
