Steve Kerr likes stability of Team USA's lineup after 4-0 start - ESPN

ABU DHABI — There was plenty to evaluate as Team USA moved to 4-0 on their pre-FIBA World Cup tour Friday night, beating old rival Greece 108-86 in its first-ever game in the U.A.E. But perhaps the most relevant item came before the game.

That's when coach Steve Kerr filled out his lineup card with the same five names to start for the fourth consecutive game. This is an unusual development in preparation for any international competition for any Team USA, which usually spends its few weeks of prep time and sometimes even the first few games of tournaments searching for continuity.

That was especially a concern with this group, where all 12 players are playing for the senior national team for the first time and there's very limited experience playing under FIBA rules. For Kerr to have already settled largely on now only how he wants to play — small and fast, like he's leaned into over the last decade with the Golden State Warriors — and found the foundation of many roles quickly.

«It's so hard because you only have a couple weeks and then you jump right into the tournament,» Kerr said. «So I like the stability of that (starting) group.»

The team is settling into patterns, which can be so valuable in these tight prep windows. Anthony Edwards, who came in as the team's second-leading scorer, led them with 21 points in just 18 minutes including three 3-pointers. Mikal Bridges, who came in ridiculously efficient shooting 68% in the first games, was efficient again as he made 3-of-5 shots and scored 10.

The other three starters — Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. — generally showed the good ball and body movement and active defense that has largely been a feature of the last two weeks in these exhibitions.

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