LONDON — Diana Taurasi says she and the U.S. women's basketball team are ready to get rid of the anxiousness and nervousness that come with being at the Olympics.
She says the only way to do that is play games — which begin Saturday.
The U.S. begins its quest for a fifth straight gold medal against Croatia, a team the Americans beat 109-55 a week ago in Istanbul.
The U.S. has only had two weeks together to train since the WNBA season went on its Olympic hiatus. But anything less than another gold medal would be considered a colossal failure for the overwhelming favorite US team.
Despite the lopsided exhibition victory Taurasi expects the Croatians will play better Saturday.
Croatia star Marija Vrsaljko will play after missing the blowout to get married.