The NBA world has been proud of Team USA as they have been rolling throughout the 2023 FIBA World Cup as the young roster has thoroughly handled their international opponents.
The Americans got off to a great start in the exhibition games, going a perfect 5-0 before heading to Asia for group play.
Their strong play continued to begin the tournament as they soundly beat New Zealand, Greece, and Jordan.
They ran into a tougher challenge against Montenegro where they won 85-73, but fans still felt confident about their prospects.
However, Team USA finally met their match when they dropped their first game of FIBA against Lithuania, losing 110-104.
It was a shock to the globe as Team USA has been considered the heavy favorite, but fans seem to understand that this can be a good experience for the young players on the team.
USA LOSES TO LITHUANIA IN THE SECOND ROUND 🚨
Its first loss of the 2023 tournament 😳 pic.twitter.com/K5PtG2fCKt
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 3, 2023
Learning experience
— Coach Chad 🇨🇱 (@CoachChad27) September 3, 2023
Tough fight by both teams
Congratulations lithuania,also well played USA— Dailytweets (@Dailytweet40461) September 3, 2023
Good. Now bounce back.
— Bullshotting🏀 (@Bullshotting) September 3, 2023
That’s good for the sport. Competition is getting better now.
— Argene (@ArgeneEtc) September 3, 2023
Anthony Edwards has been the clear leader for the roster throughout the tournament and he did his best to save his team as he dropped 35 points in the losing effort.
Defensively, the Americans were a step slower than usual though Lithuania did well to move the ball and hit open shots that gave them the victory.
As the fans mentioned, the basketball competition internationally has only gotten better which means America has to play up to their potential to win it all.
Fortunately, Team USA had already qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament as well as qualified for the Olympics.
However, this loss will surely sting though hopefully it motivates the team and they come out better for it the rest of the way.
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