Team USA bounced back from their disappointing loss in the Tokyo Olympics opener by destroying Iran, 120-66, and Damian Lillard is a big reason for that–on and off the court.
Lillard led the way for Team USA, scoring 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting–with all his makes coming from the 3-point land. He also made 18 of his output in the first half as the Americans unleashed the frustration and never gave the Iranians the chance to even put up a fight.
Apparently, though, Lillard was also a huge influence in Team USA's response in their second outing in the Tokyo Olympics. He basically walked the talk after telling his peers they need to show the reason why they are the No. 1 basketball team in the world.
“After that loss we came together,” Lillard said on what they did after their 83-76 loss to France, per Associated Press. “It was a lot of communication between then and now where it’s like, ‘All right. It’s time to start looking like Team USA.'”
Sure enough, aside from Damian Lillard, the rest of Team USA played better than they did against the Frenchmen. Five other players scored in double-digits, with Devin Booker coming behind with 16 on 6-of-9 shooting.
After the big win, Team USA is now hoping to maintain the momentum in a bid to make it to the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals. They will face Czech Republic next, with a victory ensuring them a spot to the next round. Hopefully, as Dame said it, they can show once again what made them the highest-ranked nation in all of basketball.
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