Stunned by Germany, Team USA can only hope for bronze at FIBA World Cup
North America had a day to forget at the FIBA World Cup in Manila. Just hours after Canada lost to Serbia, Germany picked Team USA apart Friday.
Led by a 21-point, seven-rebound performance from Daniel Theis, Germany -- which won, 113-111 -- was clearly the better team. Steve Kerr's offensive system failed to get the best out of his big men, with Jaren Jackson Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Bobby Portis combining for just 19 points.
Team USA looked a unit that relied on individual play instead team play. Even Anthony Edwards' exceptional play (23 points, eight rebounds, three assists) couldn't get the USA into the World Cup final.
Germany was never going to be an easy opponent. Last year, at the EuroBasket competition, Germany flashed the upside of potential world champions.
"The game has been globalized over the last 30 years or so," Kerr said following Team USA's loss. "These games are difficult. This is not 1992 anymore. Players are better all over the world. Teams are better. And it's not easy to win a World Cup or an Olympic Games."
There's no superstar on the German roster. Instead, there's high-level talent and continuity.
Kerr wanted the USA to operate a switch-heavy defense, similar to how his Golden State Warriors play. The problem is, to run such a defense, you need high-quality communication and connectivity.
International teams only develop that type of chemistry by being together for multiple tournament runs. The German team at the World Cup is essentially the one that played at EuroBasket. The USA team swaps its players like Pokemon cards on a 1990s school playground.
Following their loss, Team USA will face Canada for a third-place finish and bronze medal. Both North American teams have fallen short of initial expectations and will be looking to prove a point. The bronze- medal game will take place on Sunday at 4:30 a.m. ET.
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