One of the main things in sports is the element of surprise. Something similar just happened, as Nigeria shocked the USA basketball team in the pre-Olympic exhibition game. Kevin Durant and his men are the gold medal favorites going into the Olympics. However, this is not the start that team USA would have expected.
Team USA has not lost a single game since the last 2 Olympics, and now to start the Olympics coming off a loss will be a huge drop in confidence.
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ALSO READ– Nigeria Humiliate Kevin Durant led Team USA in Tokyo Olympics 2020 Exhibition Game
Team USA torched by Nigeria
Nigeria won the game 90-87 against Team USA. Moreover, Nigeria scorched the USA with 20 three-pointers. Miami’s Gabe Vincent led Nigeria with 21 points as he made 6 shots from beyond the arc.
For the USA it was a poor shooting night for the big stars. Kevin Durant led the team with 17 points. However, he shot just 4-13 from the field, while Bradley Beal went 1-7 from the field. Jayson Tatum and Dame played their part as they added 15 & 14 points, respectively.
Even though Nigeria has 9 players with NBA experience, this is one of the biggest upsets in recent sports events. Team USA is full of seriously talented NBA players, and they couldn’t get it going last night. Here is how the basketball world reacted to Team USA’s shocking loss.
Mike Brown!
— Chris Webber (@realchriswebber) July 11, 2021
Naija in 4 #NaijaNoDeyCarryLast pic.twitter.com/a4BptYoiWe
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) July 11, 2021
Ok Nigeria!!! 👀👀👀
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) July 11, 2021
gabe vincent “culture”
— solomon hill (@solohill) July 11, 2021
Mike Brown, Why? 😂😂😂. #usabasketball #USA https://t.co/DPmreTVNR3
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) July 11, 2021
I like this Nnamdi guy…
— andre (@andre) July 11, 2021
Wish I was playing for @NigeriaBasket right now
— Spencer Dinwiddie (@SDinwiddie_25) July 11, 2021
21 years old getting minutes for @usabasketball 🔥🔥 in case you didn’t know @dariusgarland22 is the REAL DEAL
— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) July 11, 2021
USA under huge fire
Nigeria played great basketball under Warriors coach, Mike Brown. However, no one expected the USA to lose coming in with the firepower that they have. Likewise, the basketball world went crazy over their loss.
Furthermore, it brings forth the unpredictable nature of the Olympics and basketball at the international stage. While NBA stars are the only ones that get recognition, the talent that is on the sidelines goes unnoticed as they don’t play. However, their potential is nothing short of great as at the end of the day, they are also NBA players.
Team USA is sure to be under some criticism following their shocking loss. Moreover, Zach Lavine seemed to have suffered an ankle injury late in the game as well. Kevin Durant & co will have to step it up as they take on Australia next.
How do you think Team USA will jump back from this? Let us know in the comments.
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