Semifinals

Semifinals: China vs. France

Harden's words won Coach Popovich's approval.

Against virtually any other team in the world, Team America had a decisive advantage at all five positions.

Only against China did they have a disadvantage at shooting guard.

In the current lineup, Harden was playing shooting guard.

Even at his peak, he would have struggled against Wang Yi as he was now, and his form had slipped a little besides.

At the other four positions, however, they had a decisive advantage over China Team.

Curry at point guard;

Durant at small forward;

Zion at power forward;

Towns at center.

Though this lineup wasn't as star-studded as the old Dream Team, it was still unquestionably the best in the world right now.

With a lineup like theirs, they would have no trouble overwhelming China Team at the other positions.

Still, Gregg Popovich reminded all the players, "We need to be careful with Wang. Even if we shut down the others, Wang Yi could still erupt across the board."

He was making sure the players stayed alert.

In terms of Paper Strength, Team America was unquestionably the best at every major international tournament.

So why had Team America kept losing championships in recent years?

First, basketball in other countries had genuinely improved, and the gap between them and Team America wasn't as wide anymore.

Second, Team America was far too arrogant and overconfident.

Their players tended to underestimate their opponents.

And every one of them thought that, as NBA players, they could dominate on the international stage.

As a result, they often drifted toward playing one-on-one.

And they kept losing to opponents who played as a team.

Popovich would never allow his players to make that mistake.

Half an hour after Team America finished using the meeting room, the French players