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"Dream Team" learns respect for Olympic foes
SYDNEY, Sept 24 (AFP) - Respect has become the byword for the "Dream Team" since a humbling full-game fight to subdue Lithuania. The United States' group of National Basketball Association stars should complete an unbeaten run through preliminary-round play by defeating France here Monday as pairings are finalized for Thursday's medal quarter-finals. The US team beat Lithuania 85-76 last Thursday in the closest call an NBA all-star lineup has had in Olympic play. And unlike boastful comments from a week ago, the Americans have learned a somewhat difficult lesson -- that they can be challenged and pressured and make mistakes in the same way they inflict those errors on opponents. "This is the Olympics and everybody deserves our respect," US center Kevin Garnett said. "It's a pleasure to be here and to have the opportunity to face these different countries." US coach Rudy Tomjanovich was bending over backwards to make certain the French, 2-2, knew the Americans respected them. "I think they are doing a very good job here and I think they're very dangerous," Tomjanovich said. "This team is very improved. I always believe that you have to respect your opponent." You also have to respect your teammates. The Dreamers learned from Lithuania that each of them wants to take command of the offense and shoot the ball when the game is up for grabs. It's what they do for their NBA clubs and have done on playgrounds since childhood. But there is only one ball to go around. Time must be shared and a balance must be struck so everyone plays enough time to be happy. "We all fall into that category because Gary Payton is a guy who's been to the Olympics before and he's not on the floor as much as he would like," US guard Ray Allen said. "Nobody is in the game as much as they would like. So we are in a situation where we're all imparting our wisdom, our knowledge and our athleticism onto one another to make a great team. "Nobody wants to be humiliated and with that, you go out and play great." Rivals already respect the "Dream Team" so much that none wants to be put in the same side of the playoff bracket. That's a good way to give yourself no chance at silver and gold. The Americans have already sealed the top seed from Group A and will play Thursday against the lowest Group B qualifier - Australia, Russia or Spain. No team wants to be third in Group A or second in Group B because those clubs are booked opposite the "Dream Team" in a semi-final. Monday's loser between Yugoslavia and Canada and either France, China or Lithuania are trying to avoid those spots. US playmaker Vince Carter, booed in early games after a pre-Olympic confrontation with Australian star Andrew Gaze, has won over fans with high leaping jams. The NBA Slam Dunk king has Michael Jordan-esque aerial moves. And in NBA terms, that comparison is the ultimate show of respect. "Athletic-wise, and jumping-wise he's probably ahead of Jordan at this stage," US teammate Antonio McDyess said. "Jordan was coming along two or three years into his career. I feel like he's going to be the next Michael Jordan. You can see the raw talent in him. He's still learning the game but he can really play.
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