Читать книгу Indiana University Olympians. From Leroy Samse to Lilly King онлайн

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Mullin scored twenty points in a 78–59 victory over Canada, setting up what Knight and the twelve American players had focused on since mid-April: the goldmedal game. They would face Spain, a team they had already beaten by thirty-three points, at the Forum in Inglewood.

The Americans needed no more preparation, explanation, or motivation. After Knight stepped out into the hall for final consultation with assistant coaches, Jordan went to the whiteboard, picked up a marker, wrote a message, and signed it “The Players.” He wrote: “COACH: DON’T WORRY. WE’VE PUT UP WITH TOO MUCH SHIT TO LOSE NOW.”

Knight returned, started to speak, and saw Jordan’s message. He smiled, looked at each player individually, and said, “Let’s go play.”

Knight told the other coaches the game against Spain would be over in ten minutes. It was. Alford started for Team USA.

By halftime, amid chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” the score was 52–29. In a 96–65 victory, Jordan scored twenty points, Tisdale fourteen, and Perkins twelve. Alford added ten points and seven assists.