Curry's 0-for-6 from Three! Team USA Faces Internal Strife Again, Benches Star Center...

In the second game of the group stage, Team USA started with a star-studded lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Davis. True to his word, head coach Steve Kerr included Tatum in the starting lineup against South Sudan. Another significant change was replacing MVP Joel Embiid with Anthony Davis at center. Embiid's inconsistent performance finally tested Kerr's patience, and with the stakes high against South Sudan, Kerr opted to keep Embiid off the court to avoid any potential liabilities.

The results were immediate and clear. Without Embiid, Team USA showcased a higher level of play. In the warm-up games, the Americans struggled against South Sudan, often playing catch-up. However, in the Olympics, they led by 19 points at halftime. Notably, Kerr utilized an 11-man rotation in the first half, with Embiid being the only player not to see any action. Even when Davis faced injury concerns, Kerr preferred using Bam Adebayo and a twin-tower lineup with Kevin Durant or Tatum over giving Embiid playing time.

This decision has sparked speculation about whether the media will defend Embiid, a French national of Cameroonian descent who plays for Team USA, as they did for Tatum previously. Embiid's visible frustration on the bench, with his hands in his pockets and a fierce look in his eyes, contrasted sharply with his jubilant teammates. Kerr's management of team dynamics might need some finesse to prevent internal conflicts; the last game left Tatum unhappy, and this one seems to have displeased Embiid. Even the strongest teams can crumble from within, and internal strife could pose a significant threat.

Back to the game itself: despite the large halftime deficit, South Sudan did not capitulate easily. They showed remarkable energy in the third quarter, outscoring Team USA 21-18. In the final quarter, South Sudan continued to close the gap, reducing the lead to around 10 points at one stage. Nonetheless, Team USA, the reigning powerhouse of international basketball, reasserted control midway through the fourth quarter, eventually pulling away and creating garbage time. Notably, even in garbage time, Embiid remained glued to the bench, receiving no playing time.

Ultimately, Team USA secured a 103-86 victory over South Sudan, marking their second consecutive win in the group stage. However, the performance of some core players was subpar. LeBron James scored 12 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, but also committed 6 turnovers, with a plus-minus of -7. Curry had an especially tough night, shooting just 1-of-9 from the field, including 0-of-6 from beyond the arc, finishing with only 3 points and 4 assists, and a plus-minus of -2. These lackluster performances highlight Team USA's deep roster, which does not rely solely on a few stars to succeed. Their ability to dominate despite core players struggling underscores their depth and talent.

The standout player was Bam Adebayo, who arguably outperformed Davis. Adebayo was an all-around force, making 9 of his 10 shots and scoring a team-high 18 points, along with tying for the team lead with 7 rebounds. His presence on both ends of the court was crucial, acting as an anchor for the team. Examining the box score only intensifies sympathy for Embiid, who was the only player to remain scoreless, not even stepping on the court. Given his unique background, the situation feels particularly harsh, resembling workplace bullying. The contrast between the team's collective contribution and Embiid's isolation was stark.

Embiid might be regretting his decision to join Team USA, especially considering the hostile reception he could have faced in France. Nevertheless, there's no turning back now. Embiid must persevere through these challenges, regardless of how uncomfortable the situation might be.

The tension within the team raises questions about their cohesion moving forward. Kerr's decision to bench Embiid entirely, even in less critical moments, suggests a significant rift that needs addressing. The internal dynamics of Team USA, much like any team, play a crucial role in their overall success. The handling of star players' egos and maintaining harmony is vital, especially in a high-stakes environment like the Olympics.

As the tournament progresses, the focus will not only be on Team USA's quest for gold but also on how they manage these internal conflicts. Can they maintain their dominance on the court while resolving off-court issues? Only time will tell if this team, loaded with talent and potential, can navigate through these choppy waters and emerge as a cohesive unit ready to claim the Olympic title.