Behind the Scenes with US Men's Olympic Basketball Team in Rio
“The cruise ship is awesome,” Kyrie Irving said of their accommodations.
— -- The U.S. men’s basketball team is dominating the Olympic court, pulling off a win over Australia to sit atop the leaderboard in the group phase.
They’re enjoying every moment in Rio de Janeiro, but Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant said one moment in particular has been his favorite.
“The opening ceremonies was pretty special,” he told ABC News.
While opponents at home in America, they’re one “Team USA” in Rio, with that bond proudly displayed in hilarious posts across social media.
“You go to basketball camps together, and then we all make it to the NBA together and we compete against each other on the highest level and I think that makes us closer,” said Durant.
“Any time you can get the best players in the world to chill and connect in a different way, that’s special,” Carmelo Anthony, of the New York Knicks, said.
Kyrie Irving, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is known as the team’s “Rio correspondent" because of all the videos he posts to social media.
“There’s so many different personalities,” Irving explained. “Just like when we all come together, it’s just a special moment.”
Some of those infectious personalities were cheering on Team USA swimming on Tuesday night, snapping photos with swimming phenoms Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky after their big wins.
This men’s basketball team’s story is also one of resilience, as well. Indiana Pacers player Paul George suffered a near career-ending leg injury just two years ago.
“Regardless of the injury and being out, I almost owe myself this second chance to walk away and do something that I can be very proud of and something I can tell my kids later down the line,” said George.
And when it’s time to unwind, they’re just tourists taking selfies with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue.
“When you get up there, not only is the statue incredible, but you actually get to see all of Rio,” said Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green.
As for their swanky accommodations, “The cruise ship is awesome,” said Irving. “It’s a hotel on a boat, so it’s a boat-tel.”