MANILA, Philippines — If there was a silver lining to the U.S. World Cup team losing to Lithuania, it’s this: The Americans now truly know how painful it is to watch another national team line up against a nation that has won four consecutive Olympic gold medals and celebrate in its face.And if it happens again at this World Cup, it’ll be much, much worse.
There was much to work on and much to critically discuss Monday. Another bad start — these have been a trend for the U.S. throughout the tournament, and none was worse than falling behind 31-12 after one quarter Sunday — was lamented, as was another night where rebounding was a problem. “Every player that plays for USA Basketball, they have to recognize what they’re up against and it’s not enough for us to just tell them. They’ve got to feel it,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “I think they’ve felt it in the last couple games.”
“There’s a little more ‘appropriate fear,’ as Pop likes to say,” Kerr said. “And that’s what’s needed.” Germany vs. Latvia , Wednesday: Germany is one of only two teams to get this far unbeaten in this World Cup, and will take on a Latvian team that is on a dream run through its first appearance in FIBA’s biggest event. Winner here gets the U.S.-Italy winner in Friday’s semifinals. Loser gets the U.S.-Italy loser in a consolation playoff game Thursday.
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