As the basketball tournament in Paris hits a critical juncture, the Brazilian team has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Emerging as the Cinderella story of the season, Brazil's journey to the medal round has been nothing short of spectacular.
An Unlikely Rise
Brazil's pathway to Paris began with a significant victory over Latvia in Riga last month. Securing their spot in the tournament was just the beginning. When it came time to determine the medal round, Brazil edged their way in through a tiebreaker, thanks in large part to stellar 3-point shooting in a pivotal game against Japan in Lille, France. Bruno Caboclo played a vital role, scoring 33 points in that decisive match.
Dominating the Boards
Throughout the tournament, Brazil has demonstrated exceptional skills in offensive rebounding, a factor that has undeniably contributed to their success. The team leads the tournament in this category, averaging 13 offensive boards per game. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Brazil's physicality, noting, "They're very physical. I think they're the No. 1 offensive rebounding team in the tournament. They've got a lot of really good shooters and they just play hard."
Offensive Prowess
Brazil's offensive strategy doesn't end with rebounding. The team has been outstanding from beyond the arc, shooting 45% on 3-pointers, averaging 11 makes per game during pool play. This sharp shooting has been a collective effort, with six different players averaging eight or more points per game.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
The Brazilian roster is a mix of youth and seasoned veterans, featuring five players who are over the age of 30. This blend has provided the team with the experience necessary to navigate the high-pressure environment of the Olympics. Gui Santos stands out as the lone current NBA player on the Brazilian squad, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with the Golden State Warriors.
Facing Team USA
Brazil now faces a formidable challenge in Team USA. While the American team has been dominant, they have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in securing offensive rebounds. Team USA has given up 16 more offensive rebounds than they've secured themselves throughout the tournament. LeBron James, an astute observer of the game, remarked, "I've watched all the games. They're very dedicated to their offensive and defensive systems."
If Team USA manages to overcome Brazil, their next hurdle would be the winner of the Serbia-Australia matchup. Coach Kerr, likening the Olympic journey to running an 800-meter race, emphasized the effort required, "In the spirit of the Olympics and the marathon/sprint metaphor that I've used, now that we've been through it, I would call it (like running) the 800 meters. We're running really hard, but it's not the 100 meters."
As Brazil continues their quest in Paris, the team's determination and skill have made them a captivating story in this year's basketball tournament. Whether this Cinderella team can continue their magical run remains to be seen, but they've already proven that they belong on the sport's biggest stage.