After winning two games FIBA World Cup Subsequently in 2010 and 2014, Team USA Already responded to two other games, but did not achieve the goal of competing for the gold medal, because in this 2023 They were eliminated by Germany in the semi-finals.
Germans surprise Americans Friday 8 September, 113 to 111. The loss relegated Steve Kerr’s side to a bronze medal match with Canada, a consolation of little use given their expectations.
The failure prompted a recurring question: What went wrong for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup?
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What went wrong for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup?
Team USA doesn’t have its best American player
Let’s not hide the most obvious point here. This isn’t the most talented team in Team USA history.
You only have to look at the players who are missing: Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Jason Tatum… doesn’t have an All-NBA player in the rotation.
In short, the talent level is not as overwhelming as it has been at past international events.
“These games are difficult. It’s not 1992 anymore,” Steve Kerr said after the loss to Germany. “The players around the world are better. The teams are better. It’s not easy to win the World Cup or the Olympics.”
Team USA can’t overcome height difference
Speaking of architecture registerAmericans apparently have a problem with paint.
Montenegro, Lithuania and Germany took advantage of the U.S. team’s lack of size. In those three games, they were outrebounded 53-24. Germany scored 25 points on their second chance, while the United States scored just eight points in the semifinals.
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Jaren Jackson Jr., in particular, struggled to stay on the court due to personal fouls and didn’t do much to help around the basket. Paul Banchero served as the main backup inside, and Walker Kessler rarely came off the bench.
As The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor pointed out, Cole could have tried more lineups with Jackson playing alongside Kessler. Jackson performed well with the Grizzlies’ true five, including Steven Adams; if Kessler gets more playing time, maybe he can step into that role.
They lost the triple battle
The size issue created a domino effect, as Team USA’s defenders often had to fall into the paint in mismatch situations, resulting in open shots for their opponents.
“(Germany has) a lot of tall, strong players who can switch. They put a lot of pressure on your defense.”Kerr said.
Lithuania hit its first nine 3-pointers in the 110-104 win and finished 14 of 25 from the field. The United States shot better than Germany (48.0% vs. 43.3%), but Germany ended up with a higher shooting percentage (13 vs. 12).
It’s also worth noting that Team USA fouled Andreas Obst three times on attempts from beyond the arc. He converted eight of nine opportunities at the free throw line in a game that was decided by just two points.
Put all of these factors together and it would be another disappointing end to Team USA’s run at the FIBA World Cup.