Team USA suffered a surprising defeat in the FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinals, losing 113-111 to Germany.
The US team came into the tournament as the clear favorites, fielding a strong roster in the Philippines. However, their performance fell short, leading to a major upset.
As anticipated, the semifinal match began closely, with neither team establishing a clear advantage during the first two quarters. The US held a narrow 60-59 lead at halftime.
But the third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Germany capitalized on an opportunity, catching the US off guard after the break. In this pivotal quarter, Germany outscored the US 35-24, securing a crucial 10-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the semifinal showdown.
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Anthony Edwards and Austin Reaves led a spirited fourth-quarter comeback for Team USA, but it ultimately proved insufficient. Germany maintained their composure, making crucial plays in the clutch, and secured a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup final.
This loss marks another disappointing World Cup campaign for the US, despite assembling a team filled with NBA stars like Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson. It’s the second consecutive World Cup in which the US has fallen short of reaching the championship game.
Jalen Brunson expressed his disappointment, calling their performance “terrible,” while Austin Reaves admitted they didn’t accomplish their goal of winning.
US head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the changing landscape of international basketball, stating that the game has become more globalized over the past few decades. He emphasized the increased competition from talented players and teams worldwide, making it challenging to win a World Cup or an Olympic Games.
Germany boasted several NBA players, including Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Daniel Theis, who played pivotal roles in their World Cup journey and the semifinal victory.
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Now, Germany will face Serbia in the World Cup final, while the US will compete in a third-place playoff against Canada. Both games are scheduled for Sunday, with the third-place playoff serving as the prelude to the final showdown.
