J-Kidd and Team USA downed the red, white and blue of the Russian national team Sunday, winning the third of four pre-Olympic exhbitions in China, 89-68.
Playing limited minutes again — he was on the court for a mere nine, finishing with a rebound, an assist and a steal — Jason was nevertheless an all-around leader. He was matter-of-fact about post-game speculation concerning his short time on the hardwood.
"Coach wanted to get those guys more time. He wanted to see something different, get those guys into some situations," Kidd said. "I’ve seen everything, so I’m fine with it. I can use the rest. There’s nothing to read into it."
SLOW IS NO GO
Russia attempted to slow down the pace of the game, but in the end, as Jason explained, it was a futile strategy. As Jason told NBA.com:
"The biggest thing was the tempo of the game," Jason Kidd said afterward, "how they tried to not let us run. Every time there was a dead ball, there was substitution so that we couldn’t run."
NEXT UP
The U.S. faces Australia in its final tune-up game in Shanghai at 8AM EST on Tuesday.
RELATED STORIES
U.S. Able to Play at Russia’s Pace (NBA.com, Aug. 3, 2008)
http://www.nba.com/usabasketball2008/russia_20080803.html