Harrison Barnes, who won the 2015 NBA tile with the Golden State Warriors, scored 22 points in Team USA’s last outing — a consolation matchup with Serbia, which the U.S. lost just one day after dropping the quarterfinals game against France that cost the Americans a chance to medal.
With two straight losses and an opportunity to step on the medal podium blown, the only thing left for the USA Basketball Men’s National Team — coached by Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) and assistant coach Steve Kerr (Warriors) — to do is go out on a pride- and respect-saving win for seventh place.
If morale isn’t totally blown, the Americans can clinch the win. Their downfall this tournament has been a lack of offense, so they should have no issue against their final FIBA World Cup opponent: Poland. The teams match up about equal in most areas of the box score. So if the U.S. struggles against Poland, USA Basketball may need to rethink its plans for 2020 Tokyo Olympics preparedness.
USA vs. Poland
Rebounds: 31 — 25
2-point shooting: 52.2% — 52.8%
3-point shooting: 33.3% — 32.5%
Free throws: 74.6% — 75.3%
Fouls: 19 — 18
Points from turnovers: 16.4 — 16.0
Second-chance points: 9.4 — 6.1
How to watch: Saturday, Sept. 14, at 4:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+.
