The United States' basketball team is set to welcome back Jrue Holiday for their highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup against Brazil on Tuesday. This news from Team USA coach Steve Kerr comes as a relief for fans who were concerned about Holiday’s ankle injury that he sustained during a victory against South Sudan.
Holiday's return was certain after he missed the final group play game as a precautionary measure. Coach Kerr elaborated on the decision, noting, "He would've played had this been a medal-round game. But it made sense to give him the night, give him an extra couple of days to heal."
The United States showcased their dominance in the group stage, securing three consecutive victories and claiming the top seed with a plus-64 point differential. Places like the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille bore witness to their top-tier performance. Kerr was pleased with the team's achievements thus far, stating, "We got done what we wanted to accomplish: winning all three games and securing the top seed. We know we have to play better. Part of this tournament is that it gets harder as you go."
Holiday's Impact and Team Efforts
Holiday had played a crucial role in their tournament opener against Serbia, contributing significantly with 15 points on an impressive 6-for-8 shooting, along with six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block. His return is expected to bolster the team’s defense and on-court leadership.
In Holiday's absence, Jayson Tatum admirably filled the void against Puerto Rico, ensuring the team remained undefeated. The strength of Team USA's roster is evident, with players stepping up when needed.
Road to the Knockouts
The United States' performance in the group stage has set high expectations for the knockout rounds. Their quarterfinal game against Brazil is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Accor Arena in Paris, and it promises to be a compelling contest. Should the USA emerge victorious, they will face either Serbia or Australia in the semifinals.
The other side of the bracket features formidable contenders such as Germany, Canada, France, and Greece. The competitive landscape of the tournament has drawn praise from none other than basketball legend LeBron James. Reflecting on the teams, James remarked, "There's a lot of great teams right now. Obviously, Canada and Germany. I like the battle that Greece has had. … I wasn't very impressed with [France's] last game. I didn't think they were ready for the physicality of Germany, but other than that they've been playing some good ball."
Looking Forward
The stakes are higher than ever as the United States moves into the knockout stages. With Jrue Holiday back on the court, the team is poised to continue their strong showing. As they prepare to meet Brazil, fans are hopeful that Team USA can maintain their momentum and edge closer to clinching the championship title.