current location:HOME > Sports News > Tennis Life > Text content

Both Australians and Americans praise Holiday’s defensive effort: ‘He’s the best on ball defender’ / News - Basketnews.com

nqajqrqw7months ago (05-17)Tennis Life153
Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA

Team USA reached its fourth Olympic basketball tournament final in a row, as Kevin Durant scored 23 points, but most of the praises went to Jrue Holiday.

Photo gallery

Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA Credit: FIBA

Holiday was a prime defender of Patty Mills, who finished the game with 15 points (2/9 2PT, 3/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, and 18 EFF.

“He sets the tone on defense; we just follow him. He's the best on-ball defender in the League,” said Zach LaVine. “We have probably five of the best offensive players of the (NBA) League, but his defense today was off the charts.”

Holiday received good words from Australia’s forward Nick Kay, too.

“He is a great defender. He climbs in and used his body really well,” said Nick Kay. “His long arms make it difficult to bring the ball up the court. When he is on point, the rest of the guys use that energy as well.”

“They were a lot better today on their switches. They are a great defensive team and contest really well. If you are not making shots, they are going to get out and run down the other end,” added Kay.

Speaking of Australia, it was their fifth loss in the semifinal of the Olympic Games, and head coach Brian Goorjian admitted it’s not an easy thing to deal with, but he added that his team would do everything to bring the bronze medal home.

"These guys have put 12 years into this. I have come in and out of this,” said Goorijan. “The more you are willing to commit to something, the harder it is to retreat. When I walked out of that locker room, the message is loud and clear. Head back, head straight, walk out of here proud, proud of who you are, proud of what you do, proud of what you are displaying.”

Player of the Game Kevin  Durant EFF 26 Kevin Durant Points 23 Accuracy 10-19 Rebounds 9 Assists 2

“We have got something right in front of us now that has never happened for this country, and so let's get excited about that,” added the head coach.

Meanwhile, Gregg Popovich let everybody know what Strong Face term means, which he took from coach Mike Krzyzewski.

“He told it to all his Olympians in all the Olympic Games he participated and coached,” Popovich said. “Basically, that means to play on with the next play, that you don't react to a teammate's turnover or referee's call or the fact that you missed the shot. Nobody cares about that.”

“You don't have that right, you owe your team, and you're responsible to your team to move on to the next play. He called it 'strong faces', and as simplistic as that sounds, it's really true. We tried to adopt it,” Pop finished.

Kevin Durant added that he would be waiting for an opponent in the upcoming gold medal game.

“The journey has been fun so far. We are looking forward to this opportunity, we need to see who we are going to play against in the Final, but I'm looking forward to executing our game plan on defense,” Durant said.

In the gold medal game, Team USA will face either Slovenia or France.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.
Share with friends:

“Both Australians and Americans praise Holiday’s defensive effort: ‘He’s the best on ball defender’ / News - Basketnews.com” ofrelated articles

Tennis: ATP, WTA& Grand Slams and in Premium Tour talks but what role will Saudi Arabia play?

Tennis: ATP, WTA& Grand Slams and in Premium Tour talks but what role will Saudi Arabia play?

What lies in store for tennis' revamped future?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Saudi Arabia already hosts the Next Gen ATP FinalsRussell Full...

Knicks to offer Tom Thibodeau contract extension / News - Basketnews.com

Knicks to offer Tom Thibodeau contract extension / News - Basketnews.com

The New York Knicks is planning to extend a contract extension to head coach Tom Thibodeau that will likely approach $10 million annually....

DeMar DeRozan wants to stay with Chicago Bulls / News - Basketnews.com

DeMar DeRozan wants to stay with Chicago Bulls / News - Basketnews.com

DeMar DeRozan expresses a desire to finish unfinished business with the Chicago Bulls....

2024 NBA Draft order revealed / News - Basketnews.com

2024 NBA Draft order revealed / News - Basketnews.com

The Atlanta Hawks will choose with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Washington Wizards got the 2nd pick, Houston Rockets - 3rd, San Antonio S...

OG Anunoby out for Game 4 / News - Basketnews.com

OG Anunoby out for Game 4 / News - Basketnews.com

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby will continue to be out for Game 4 in the Knicks-Pacers series....

Punter and Smith comment on ABA League final: 'An American football game' / News - Basketnews.com

Punter and Smith comment on ABA League final: 'An American football game' / News - Basketnews.com

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade players Kevin Punter and Jaleen Smith made snide comments about the upcoming ABA League final series between Partizan an...