(Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Despite their plethora of young NBA stars, not many people were that high on Team USA ahead of this FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Yet the young guys had done their job, winning their first four games before a setback vs. Lithuania.
And now that they’re no longer undefeated and face a lot of criticism, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson took the blame for not being ready to play (via New York Basketball on Twitter).
Jalen Brunson on Lithuania loss: “We waited too long to come to play. That’s on me. I gotta come ready to play…gotta have everyone else ready…”
On Rokas Jokubaitis: “…Great player. Played against him today…lot of respect for him”
More at Eurohoops: https://t.co/8mB9h0w7RB pic.twitter.com/Lso3BYtakp
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) September 3, 2023
Some people claimed Team USA overlooked Lithuania, and that’s similar to what Brunson seems to think.
Nonetheless, as much as that could be true, it’s not like Lithuania can’t play.
Besides some NBA talent, we’re talking about a group with plenty of experience and continuity at the FIBA level, not to mention plenty of size.
For the second straight tournament, Team USA has struggled against bigger and more physical big men.
Starting center Jaren Jackson Jr. has just one rebound in his past two games, and he’s struggled with foul trouble.
Perhaps Steve Kerr will look to give Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler more run vs. Italy, as he’s already leaned upon Paolo Banchero for offensive purposes every now and then.
Team USA will continue its road to the podium in a win-or-go-home game vs. Italy.
And while their confidence shouldn’t take a big hit after just one loss, that should definitely be a wake-up call for Team USA.
The post Jalen Brunson Opens Up On Team USA’s Loss Against Lithuania appeared first on The Cold Wire.