3) Living and dying by the three ball
As the Golden State Warriors witnessed to their dismay in the NBA Finals, the three-ball giveth, and taketh away as well. It's a fickle mistress and a gamble at best if one considers it the primary weapon.
If Carmelo Anthony hadn't got hot from downtown against Australia, hitting 9 of 15 threes, USA could well have suffered its first loss over the last two Olympics. In the international game, the three point line being closer works both ways. While it is easier to make threes, it makes it that much more difficult to get quality looks inside.
In the past, when the USA defeated Spain in the gold medal games in 2008 and 2012, they’ve shot and made a lot more 3s compared to their opponents. They had a 45-21 advantage in 2012 and a 49-24 advantage in 2008 from downtown. Their luck has held in the past.
USA actually shot a better percentage from downtown (43.6%) compared to 2-point range (39.1%) against Australia. As teams continue to pack the lane, USA will be more enticed to launch it from afar. That can be their undoing on days when the three ball doesn't fall. They need to find a way to consistently work the ball around on offence and look for easier shots.
If a shooter like Curry can find his shot deserting him in the NBA Finals, it can happen to anyone.
