The Spaniards didn’t hold up their end of the bargain, but Team USA certainly did. The Americans took down Lithuania convincingly 96-68 Thursday to reach the final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Madrid.
Kyrie Irving had 18 points, while Klay Thompson and James Harden added 16 each. Per the AP:
“I think that’s one of the reasons why we came over here, was to play them,” U.S. guard Derrick Rose said. “Too bad we’re not playing them and hopefully we go out there in our next game and play hard and just know that we’re there for a reason.”
The Americans will face France or Serbia, believing either could provide the test that was expected from Spain. […] “Obviously they’re playing there for a reason,” Harden said. “We’re not going to take anyone lightly, which we haven’t thus far.”
Some U.S. players watched the game Wednesday, while others learned the result afterward. Talk of a U.S.-Spain final had lasted as long as the tournament, and though the Americans tried to ignore it, guard Stephen Curry acknowledged that was impossible. […] “I don’t think we’re disappointed, or wished we played a certain team,” Curry said. “We’re happy to take care of our business.”
Man Lithuania were terrible. in 16 years against the USA, they had won twice, and only ever lost by double digits once (I think) in 7 or 8 attempts. I thought last night, at worst, they’d lose by 20, but instead they had their worst performance against a USA squad in 22 years.
Still, respect to Lithuania. Missing their 2 best players from last year, and still making it to the semi-final is an impressive feat.
USA are missing some of their best players too, of course, but it’s asinine to suggest that the US missing Durant or LeBron is as big a blow as Lithuania missing Kleiza and Kalnietis.
Lithuania just didn’t match up well with USA’s athleticism. that was a really really rough style of play for their personnel. i was surprised they kept it as close as they did in the first half.
Lithuania’s starting point guard was injured. And from what I’ve read their shooting guards had to share the PG duties so clearly they were not expected to win. Still, I’m impressed they made it this far. And it’s always good to see Valanciunas playing well throughout the tournament.
Anyone else luving Manimal walk out of the arena, arms raised, fingers to the crowd as the predominantly Lithuanian crowd rained down the boos as Team USA walked off?
With a big smile on his face even: like a WWE villain.
Guy is ENTERTAINING.
I might have a new fav player.
I know their starting PG was injured, I mentioned that twice haha. Yeah of course I didn’t expect them to win, I just thought they’d be more competitive, like they usually are against the US.
Yeah you’re right, Jonas took a big step forward in this tournament, his first one as the regular starter, hope it carries over to the season.
It’s not as big as a blow. But if you look at it. USA probably is missing 6 of the best 10 or 11 best players in the league with Lebron, durant, howard, george, paul, and love not playing. I mean, well you saw the olympics.