Stephen Curry: "Only The '92 Dream Team didn't Face Issues"
Stephen Curry, point guard for the United States and a leading favorite for gold in the Paris 2024 Olympic basketball tournament, stated in the mixed zone at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, after defeating Puerto Rico (83-104), that "except perhaps for the 1992 team (the 'Dream Team' of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird that dazzled in the Barcelona Games), all the U.S. teams have had some problem" on their way to gold.
"In the journey toward Olympic gold, regardless of the year you look up in history books, and except perhaps for the 1992 (Barcelona Games), all the teams have had some problem in some way," Curry said.
"Whether it's when shots aren't falling or when the team is playing incredibly, you always have to work hard to win. I think we’ve felt uncomfortable a couple of times in exhibition games (preparation friendlies for the Games) and even during moments in the games against Serbia and South Sudan," said Curry, who is seeking his first Olympic gold.
"How do you respond when things get tight? We just have to focus on each game as it comes because styles are completely different from country to country and from team to team. So there's no need to anticipate anything. But we know we can beat anyone," he stated.
"The system of play in the Olympic tournament isn't that different physically, but due to the style of play, the shortened game time, and the immense amount of talent we have, it will seem different. But once you adapt to that and feel comfortable with the outcome, then it's fine," commented the Golden State Warriors star.
"You might touch the ball once or twice in a quarter, but you have to be ready to capitalize on those opportunities. At the end of the day, you want to keep your confidence when shooting the ball. I know a flurry of baskets is coming. But apart from that, you have to do everything else to help your team win," Curry said after his team's victory over Puerto Rico.
