There will be no gold medal for the United States this year in the FIBA World Cup. Again.
Four years after it finished seventh in the last such tournament, Team USA lost in Friday’s semifinal round to Germany, 113-111. Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder was ultimately a thorn in the side of the Americans. He put up 17 points and nine assists while hitting a dagger with under a minute left to seal their fate.
Buy Lakers TicketsAustin Reaves did a lot to keep Team USA in the contest. He had a very efficient 21 points, with a good number of those points coming in the final minutes.
But he knew it was Team USA’s lack of defense that cost it the game and a shot at the gold medal.
“When you give up 113 points in a 40 minute game, you’re not going to win many of those so defense.” – Austin Reaves on Team USA’s biggest problem tonight. pic.twitter.com/4kZ5UmmtGH
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) September 8, 2023
Many have commented on Team USA’s lack of size this year. Ultimately, if it is to get back on track, it will have to revamp the roster to make sure it can hold down talented teams and control the defensive backboards.
On Friday, it gave up 12 offensive rebounds, 25 second-chance points and 50 points in the paint to the Germans.
Reaves gives some love to Schroder
Reaves, ever the competitor, was visibly frustrated at the end of the game. But it didn’t prevent him from paying his respects to Schroder, his former teammate.
Austin Reaves’ thoughts on losing to Germany and no longer being in contention to compete for gold:
"Obviously super tough. We knew the task ahead and that was to win and we didn't do that so you tip your hat."
Also gave a shout out to his former teammate Dennis Schroder pic.twitter.com/yzyiywt36F
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) September 8, 2023
After the game, the two shared a warm embrace.
All love between former teammates Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves after their #FIBAWC matchup ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dSof1KMOs5
— NBA (@NBA) September 8, 2023
While Germany moves on to play Serbia in the final on Sunday, Team USA will have to settle for a chance at the bronze medal in a contest versus Canada, which will also take place on Sunday.
