Team USA’s Paris Olympics journey hasn’t disappointed the presumptions. In the two games, the star-laden team has estimated their opponents, much like the allure suggests. Tonight, the powerful unit with face Puerto Rico in their last group stage game before preparing for the quarterfinals.

But in the midst of their dominant spell, it’s easy to forget the purpose. The Olympics isn’t a battle for self-pride or beautifying their resumes. Each of the NBA superstars has been selected for the purpose of bringing another gold to the United States of America. In the end, it’s their patriotic emotions and their deep-rooted love for the country that enables these basketball sensations to share the glory and fight for a bigger purpose. And before facing Puerto Rico, USA’s Bam Adebayo rejuvenated these sentiments.

“You understand about the road is, it’s not easy. You learn to cherish that moment. You learn to be in that moment. You learn to understand what this is all about. Bringing this team together is bigger than ourselves. It’s bigger than me. It’s about going and getting golden and doing it for the USA,” Bam Adebayo echoed ahead of Team USA’s final group stage game.

So far, the group has preached these words flawlessly. No matter the noise from the media, the criticism, or the drawbacks from each game, Adebayo and the rest of Team USA have adapted to each other with time. They have shed their NBA skins and are playing with a sense of camaraderie. The spirited atmosphere inspires each individual to stay focused and devoted to the singular goal – winning a fifth straight gold medal for Team USA.

And no matter what has to be done, the players are ready for it.

Team USA is not afraid to be bold

In just two games, the NBA fraternity has witnessed a few shocking decisions from Steve Kerr. In the game against Serbia, he rested the NBA champion Jayson Tatum for the entire game. Next, against South Sudan, Joel Embiid saw the bench even though he had his best outing for Team USA against these rivals.

Such calls have perplexed the NBA media. Experts have spoken against Kerr’s methods. But what about the players? Tatum saw it as a “humbling experience” and realized “it’s not about one individual player”. Embiid was involved when on the bench, speaking to his teammates and participating in celebrating.

The Warriors head coach is simply making tough decisions based on their opposition. And that’s one of the qualities that the basketball world should admire rather than crucify Steve Kerr. The seasoned coach is not only deeply studying his rivals, but also strategically utilizing the best of his players to counter their schemes.

Additionally, it takes courage to be as bold as Kerr has. Remember, most of these players haven’t witnessed much disappointment in the international circuits. But Kerr is trying to overcome their medal-less finish at the FIBA World Cup. Not only is he highly motivated, but the Team USA HC only has one motive, to see his team wear a gold medal around their neck.

If he has to bear the front for it, so be it. “Just coaching basketball, it’s pretty simple for us, regardless of all the noise”, he told Brian Windhorst. And so far, he seems to have done a great job of doing so.