In a surprising turn of events, Team USA faced its first defeat in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup during the final game of group play against Lithuania. While both teams were assured of advancing to the quarterfinals, this game held significant seeding implications.
Lithuania emerged as the dominant force from the outset, displaying a remarkable accuracy from beyond the arc. They began the game by sinking all nine of their initial 3-point attempts. Throughout the game, Lithuania’s prowess on the boards was undeniable, outrebounding Team USA by a considerable margin of 43-27, including an impressive 18 offensive rebounds.
Despite the loss, Anthony Edwards emerged as the shining star for Team USA, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting. In contrast, Lithuania showcased a balanced offensive effort, with seven of their players achieving double-digit scoring figures, led by Vaidas Kariniauskas, who contributed 15 points.
The loss against Lithuania serves as a valuable lesson for Team USA as they head into the quarterfinals, where they will strive to regain their winning momentum and continue their pursuit of the championship in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
(Source: Sporting News)
