3 Team USA players most to blame for Lithuania’s FIBA World Cup defeat

3 Team USA players most to blame for Lithuania’s FIBA World Cup defeat

Heading into the second round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA brimmed with confidence. Anthony Edwards even boldly proclaimed to reporters that they would secure victories in their crossover games against Montenegro and Lithuania, fueled by their strong start with three dominant wins in the opening round. However, Lithuania’s performance on Sunday served as a stark reminder that Team USA could ill afford complacency if they aimed to redeem their disappointing seventh-place finish from four years prior.

Right from the tip-off, the Lithuanian squad exhibited unwavering determination. Their precision from beyond the arc was remarkable, as they connected on their first nine three-point attempts, ultimately seizing control of the game, despite Anthony Edwards’ valiant efforts to rally Team USA.

In plain terms, with a challenging quarterfinal clash against Italy looming on Tuesday, Team USA must swiftly regroup. Nevertheless, certain individuals, more than others, need to engage in introspection regarding their contributions to the 110-104 loss against Lithuania. It’s imperative that they learn from their mistakes and ensure they do not repeat them during the knockout stage.

With that in mind, here are three Team USA players who bear significant responsibility for the setback in the FIBA World Cup second round against Lithuania.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr., particularly in Team USA’s initial three matches at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, showcased his customary Defensive Player of the Year caliber. His presence was menacing, disrupting pick-and-rolls, shadowing fleet-footed guards, and swatting their shots into oblivion. Even when facing Montenegro, Jackson remained an imposing figure in the paint while contributing as an interior scorer, despite his complete absence on the boards.

However, the loss to Lithuania on Sunday was a worst-case scenario for Jackson. While he excels as a defensive anchor with his elite shot-blocking prowess, the paramount trait in this context is availability. If he can’t be on the court during crucial junctures, how can he contribute to Team USA’s quest for tournament victory?

Juxtaposed against Jonas Valanciunas, Jaren Jackson Jr. appeared undersized and overwhelmed, resorting to physicality and accumulating early fouls. Consequently, Jackson couldn’t establish a rhythm, and Team USA allowed a plethora of open three-pointers due to Lithuania’s easier access to the paint.

Jackson cannot afford to be careless with his fouls, especially considering that international competition allows only five fouls, not six. His significance to the team is undeniable. During his 15 minutes on the court, Team USA boasted a +16 point differential. Without him, they plummeted to a -22, with Steve Kerr unable to compensate for the absence of the Grizzlies’ star using a combination of Paolo Banchero, Bobby Portis, and Walker Kessler.

Furthermore, Jaren Jackson Jr. must assert himself more on the boards. As the defensive linchpin, securing rebounds is his responsibility, and his lone rebound in the second round won’t suffice during the knockout stages.

Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves has emerged as the darling of Team USA during their time in Manila, and his popularity is well-deserved. The Los Angeles Lakers’ guard possesses a keen basketball IQ, consistently facilitating ball movement, exhibiting an impressive ability to draw fouls for easy points, and seamlessly fitting into the team’s dynamics alongside key players.

However, when pitted against Lithuania, Reaves couldn’t execute his role to its full potential. He lacked the physical attributes to contend with Lithuania’s rugged style of play. In the opening quarter, as Team USA struggled to maintain control, Reaves found himself overmatched in the post, allowing Lithuania to score almost at will near the rim with minimal resistance. In the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. to rectify Team USA’s defensive lapses, this led to numerous effortless baskets for Lithuania.

It’s important to be understanding of Austin Reaves’ situation, as he’s a player who always gives his utmost effort whenever he steps onto the court. Nevertheless, the harsh reality remains that, in this particular matchup against Lithuania, his best efforts were insufficient to positively impact the game.

Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson shouldn’t bear too much blame, as he was one of only four players who finished Team USA’s loss to Lithuania with a positive plus-minus rating. However, the New York Knicks guard could have performed better in directing the offense early in the game, which might have helped the team establish a more effective rhythm at both ends of the court from the outset. The first quarter proved to be the turning point, as they fell behind by 19 points during that period.

Additionally, Brunson missed a critical free throw when Team USA was on the cusp of closing the gap against Lithuania. When examining the box score, it’s evident that the Knicks’ star had a respectable game overall. Nevertheless, his contributions on Sunday didn’t necessarily come at the most opportune moments.