Preview of the 2014 FIBA Finals: USA vs SERBIA

Tip-off for the 2014 FIBA Finals is only hours away…keep reading for keys to the game

USA vs SERBIA PREVIEW
At 3pmEST, all my boys from Serbia will be gathered around the TV to see if their beloved basketball team can produce a miracle and defeat a USA team that has beaten up on every team it’s faced so far. In this game, "speed kills,” and in this match-up, the USA definitely has the upper hand. The USA fields a talented group: Derrick Rose, Steph Curry (if he can avoid foul trouble), Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis and Kenneth Faried. If Harden plays team ball, his contribution will make them an even more formidable opponent. Serbia has their hands full. The USA has won every game in the tournament by at least 20 points. If they do the same tomorrow, they will be the first team to do that in the World Cup. It’s an attainable goal. They have the depth, and if they play smart, they’ll be difficult to stop.

Keys for Serbia:

• If the USA starts slowly like they have in previous games, Serbia must try their best to keep them off-balance - don’t let them find their rhythm and gain momentum
• Nenad Krstic and Miroslav Raduljica must play solid defense, box-out, force fouls and keep the USA away from their game plan
• Milos Teodosic must pick up the point guard and force him out of his comfort zone
• Serbia can level the playing field by forcing the USA to make bad decisions

Keys for the USA:

• The USA must make Serbia set up high and bring the Serbian bigs up high
• Teodosic must be defended, because he is capable of taking over a game
• Kenneth Faried must have a super game. He is certainly capable of it, and Serbia doesn’t have anyone who can match up with him
• Quickness and athleticism go a long way in wearing down the opposing team

If Serbia can stay in this, they could make the USA work. This is a David-and-Goliath deal though. Ultimately, I don’t think the game will be close - USA wins by 25!