Olympic redeem team?

The U.S. men’s basketball team looks invincible here and many observers are already penciling them in as gold medalists.

That may yet come true. If I were told that I couldn’t leave China until I picked a favorite, I’d certainly pick the U.S. But I certainly wouldn’t be surprised, either, if they lost.

The U.S. is on a roll now because:

A) Their opponents haven’t been playing well. For example Greece missed all seven of their three-pointers in the first half the other night.
B) The U.S. defensive pressure has stifled opponents’ offensive schemes and forced numerous turnovers and easy fast break buckets.
C) The U.S. is playing loose because they know they aren’t in a must-win situation in pool play.

But as the team advances to the quarterfinals, everything will change. From the quarterfinals on the Olympics become a one-and-done, lose-and-you’re-out tournament. Every possession and every shot gains added significance. The U.S. still doesn’t shoot free throws or three-pointers nearly as well as Spain, Argentina and Greece. If the U.S. shooters are cold and the team falls behind, then the pressure will intensify on every possession.

This team was supposed to redeem the U.S. reputation after we suffered disappointing losses at the 2004 Olympics and 2006 world championships.

They still might. But I wouldn’t bet on it.

Kobe and LeBron aren't invincible