Team USA Basketball’s run to a FIBA basketball championship came to an end after being defeated by France 89-79.
Yes we know Team USA’s roster did not have the bigtime names like the Olympic roster carries, but it had legit talent to at least make noise in tournament potentially bringing home gold. Kemba Walker was a non-factor today, and Donovan Mitchell was inconsistent with his shot selection.
USA , suffered a defeat early in the tournament, but that game was only a exhibition bout against a pesky Australian led Patty Mills team.
What was the difference today?
The fourth quarter was completely abysmal for Team USA, with terrible shot selection, missed free throws (4-10 down the stretch) and France size advantage. Team USA had no answer for Rudy Gobert who had 21 and 16, or Frank Ntilikina (5 crucial 4th quarter points)
What’s next for Team USA?
Team USA will take on Serbia in the fifth place game, who were several odd makers favorite to originally take down Team USA in this tournament.
Before the loss this morning, Team USA’s last loss in international competition came all the way back in 2006 against Greece.
Streak worth mentioning: Before today’s loss Team USA had won 58 straight games in international tournament with NBA players on its roster according to Bleacher Report.
This is what ultimately happens when Team USA doesn’t get its Best or even 2nd tier best of players to help bring home the chip.
Flip the page to see reaction around Twitter and video of Frank Ntilikina clutch shots down the stretch.