Team Canada won the 4 Nations Face-Off final against the USA, 3-2, in overtime at TD Garden in Boston. The event was a major success, replacing the NHL All-Star competition for the first time this season. Additionally, the 4 Nations final between Canada and the USA drew a massive 9.3 million viewers on ESPN.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes the NBA will not create a 4 Nations-style tournament like the NHL. He says Team USA fears losing to international players.
“Team USA fears they’d get their a– kicked by those international players,” Smith said. “I’m going to say it on national television: the international players will bust their living behinds. Yes they would. Not just because their skillset is on par with them, but because they care, and they’re compelled by their audience from their homelands more so than (the Americans).”
Smith said international players work harder and care more. He pointed out how Olympic teams challenge Team USA. He believes an international NBA event would be competitive and exciting.
“So the level of fervor that they would bring to the table, we understand,” Smith said. “You got to remember, look at Olympic competition and look at how stiff it has gotten collectively, those players internationally, collectively on respective teams, don’t compare to Team USA, but they gave them a run for their money.
“Why?…
