Additional Quotes: Argentina 80, USA 63
USA head coach Jeff Van Gundy
General thoughts on the game:
Argentina is a tremendous team, and after the first five minutes they kicked our butts And, give them all the credit, they played a terrific game on both ends of the floor.
We had a rough night all around. I don’t think there were a lot of positives for us in this game, and so much of sport is about when you get your butt kicked how you respond. We’re together three more days, we get another chance on Sunday (versus Uruguay), and hopefully we play much better.
What did you think about the atmosphere?
It was terrific. It was a great environment. They’re terrific basketball fans. They have a great team, a great coach and great passion for the sport. It’s always great to come down here.
What do you think the team needs to improve on for Uruguay?
You know what? I’m going to wait to make sure I know what I saw – what I think I saw is really what I did see. I’ll have a better answer for that in a little bit.
Travis Trice
Was it Argentina’s defense or just the shots weren’t falling?
I think it was mixture of both. Our coaches had a great game plan, but we just didn’t really execute and we didn’t hit shots. So, I think it was a combination of both. You have to give them credit, they came out with a lot of energy. We made the first punch, and they answered back.
How important is defense to transition offense? It didn’t seem you got much in that way?
No, and it’s hard to when they’re making a lot of shots. It’s hard to push the ball when you have to get it out of the net each time. But it’s like I said, you have to give them credit. They were on the offensive boards, getting easy put-backs in standing position, so I feel like a lot of it was us, but a lot of it was them, too.
How helpful is it to you that you played in a previous World Cup Qualifying window?
It helped a lot, but even our last away game (in Panama) wasn’t like this. This crowd was amazing, and they kind of got them through that early scoring drought they had.
Tyler Zeller
General thoughts on the game:
Argentina played well. They shot well. We’ve got to be better, play better together. They did a great job of getting us strung out, so they could hit those wide open 3s.
What was the environment like tonight?
It was great environment. Obviously, it’s loud as can be. It’s a fun place to play. We all wish we played better, but at the same time it is a great atmosphere. The fans are great. It’s a hostile environment, but I love playing in those.