MANILA, Philippines — The United States men’s basketball team’s first loss against Lithuania last Sunday was a reminder of why they were no longer viewed as undisputed favorites at the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Team USA was stunned, outplayed, and sent back to their hotel with the realization that a hot shooting night — similar to what propelled Lithuania to victory — by any of their competitors could simply seal their fate in the tournament moving forward. That 110-104 loss to Lithuania was a significant wake-up call for the United States.