- Anthony Edwards expressed supreme confidence in Team USA’s victory over Lithuania, but the shocking upset leaves the squad reeling
- Despite Edwards’ optimism, Team USA suffered a surprising loss to Lithuania
- Edwards put up an impressive performance with 35 points, but it wasn’t enough
Prior to Team USA’s matchup against Lithuania in the FIBA World Cup, rising star Anthony Edwards exuded confidence, expressing his belief that the American squad would secure a victory. Unfortunately for Edwards and Team USA, that optimism took a hit as they suffered a shocking upset loss to Lithuania.
Edwards’ pre-game statement showcased the team’s unwavering belief in their abilities and their ambition to continue their unbeaten streak:
“I think we’re gonna win. Our confidence is at an all-time high. We’re not really worried about those guys.”
Anthony Edwards was previously asked about playing Lithuania and Montenegro in the second round:
"I think we’re gonna win. Our confidence is at an all-time high. We're not really worried about those guys."
USA just lost to Lithuania by 6. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/SacA8za3mK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 3, 2023
This unexpected defeat serves as a reminder that in international basketball, no team is invincible. While Team USA had been cruising through the tournament with an unblemished record, their loss to Lithuania exposed vulnerabilities in their game, particularly in rebounding and defense.
Despite the setback, Team USA remains in a strong position in the FIBA World Cup. Their earlier victories secured their place in the knockout stage, and they will now face Italy in the quarterfinals.
However, this loss will undoubtedly serve as a wake-up call for the squad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and composure as they aim for gold in the tournament.
How Did Team USA Lose To Lithuania?
In a surprising turn of events, Team USA suffered its first loss in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, falling to Lithuania with a final score of 110-104. The loss marked the first defeat for the American squad under the leadership of head coach Steve Kerr and brought an end to their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Lithuania capitalized on their size advantage, outrebounding Team USA by a significant margin, 43-27. This dominance on the boards allowed Lithuania to control the game’s tempo and generate second-chance scoring opportunities.
Lithuania’s three-point shooting was on point throughout the game, particularly in the first half. They made an astonishing nine consecutive three-pointers in the early stages of the game, catching Team USA’s defense off guard.
By the end of the match, Lithuania had connected on 14 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc, highlighting the importance of their outside shooting in securing the victory.
Jaren Jackson Jr., the team’s tallest player, encountered early foul trouble, picking up three fouls before halftime. This hindered the team’s defensive efforts and left them vulnerable to Lithuania’s interior scoring.
While Anthony Edwards had a standout performance with 35 points, Team USA struggled to find consistent scoring contributions from their bench players.
Only Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson managed to reach double figures in scoring, with Brandon Ingram adding 10 points as a reserve.
Despite the loss, Team USA still secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament, thanks to earlier victories and results from other matches.
Looking Back At Team USA’s Defeat At The 2004 Olympics
The 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece, were supposed to be another glorious chapter in the storied history of USA Basketball. However, the 2004 Olympics would prove to be a watershed moment, challenging the established order and prompting a reevaluation of Team USA’s approach to the sport.
The roster assembled for the 2004 Games was brimming with NBA stars, including Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, and a young LeBron James. On paper, it seemed like a dream team, but beneath the surface, there were glaring issues.
Early signs of trouble emerged during exhibition games, most notably a shocking loss to Italy. These games exposed the team’s reliance on isolation plays, a lack of cohesive teamwork, and an absence of the ball movement that had characterized previous Dream Teams.
The defining moment of Team USA’s Olympic campaign came in the semifinals when they faced Argentina. In a stunning turn of events, the Americans were defeated 89-81, marking the first time since NBA players were allowed to participate in the Olympics in 1992 that they failed to make the gold medal game.
While Team USA managed to secure a bronze medal by defeating Lithuania, it was a far cry from the gold medal expectations that had come to define the team. The disappointment in Athens was a wake-up call for American basketball.
In response to this setback, USA Basketball underwent a complete transformation. Jerry Colangelo was appointed as managing director, ushering in a new era of accountability and teamwork.
The “Redeem Team” was born, featuring stars like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. In 2008, they successfully reclaimed the gold medal, reestablishing Team USA’s reputation as a basketball powerhouse.
Looking back, Team USA’s defeat at the 2004 Olympics served as a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. It forced American basketball to adapt to the evolving international landscape, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, preparation, and respect for opponents.
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