Patrick Ewing: "It's harder to play now because of the Dream Team. All of the current players grew up looking up to us & watching us dominate the rest of the world. But the rest of the world caught up. Some of the NBA's top players today come from all over the world. It wasn't like that back then."

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This was before today's loss.

“The Big Fella” empathizes with the extra pressure on Gregg Popovich’s club to win gold because of the increased level of international competition since Ewing wore the red, white and blue.

“I’m rooting for Coach Popovich and the U.S. Team,’’ Ewing told The Post in an emailed interview. “It’s an unfortunate time we’re living in right now — losing players to COVID-19 protocols. It’s harder to play now because of the Dream Team. All of the current players grew up looking up to us and watching us dominate the rest of the world. But the rest of the world caught up.

“There are so many talented players. Some of the NBA’s top players today come from all over the world. It wasn’t like that back then.’’

“My favorite memory from the Dream Team days — forget the games, we were punishing everyone,’’ Ewing said. “But practicing against all those great players. All of us working hard every single day. That was the best. Those practices were unforgettable. The friendships and bonds we created — myself, Larry Bird, Chris Mullin. Those are memories I will never forget.’’