We don’t dream. After twelve minutes, Lithuania leads 31-12 against the United States. Under the whistles of a public won over to the cause of the teammates of an imperial Jonas Valanciunas on the counter, the Americans are asleep and only Anthony Edwards is at his best with 6 of the first 8 American points. We have to wait for the first rotations to see Cam Johnson, and always Edwards, feed the mark (39-26).
Except that the Lithuanians are hot from afar, whether it’s Domatas Motiejunas and Mindaugas Kuzminskas. The American rotations are too slow offshore, and that does not forgive. And to make matters worse, Jaren Jackson Jr., very naive, receives his third fault. Team USA has beefed up its defense, but the overflow of dribbling prevents them from surprising the Lithuanians who widen the gap again (49-29). Under the panels, Valanciunas continues his huge construction site, and he traps Walker Kessler, while Brazdekis goes to dunk on Paolo Banchero (52-31). Thanks to the aggressiveness of Brunson who finds Portis then Banchero near the circle, the Americans return to the locker room 17 points behind (54-37).
The Americans are getting closer minute by minute…
Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson immediately bring Team USA down to 12 to start the 2nd half, and Valenciunas receives two offensive fouls! Jaren Jackson Jr. imitates his teammates, and the Americans drop below 10 points (54-46). Like Edwards and Josh Hart, the United States defend much harder. With Bridges at the head of the racket, Steve Kerr’s players are nibbling behind, and there are now only four points behind (56-52).
The Americans are on a 15-2 in four minutes, but Lithuania continues on a 6-0 to restore air (62-52). The level of play has gone up a screen with Lithuanians who are trying to push the Americans to the low post, but the Portis-Banchero pair holds on, and his mobility hurts on the other side of the circle (67-63). On a double tap at the buzzer of Kuzminskas, Lithuania gives themselves a little air (71-65).
Kuzminskas, the X factor
Better still, Valanciunas’ teammates even found their 10-point lead (77-67). Still dominating near the circle. The match is becoming more and more choppy with Americans fighting against frustration, and Lithuanians maintaining the gap with free throws (82-72), or responding tit-for-tac at 3-pointers US (89-81). There are five minutes left to play, and Valanciunas takes his 4th foul, again on the offensive. A hard blow, and Jalen Brunson took the opportunity to bring the Americans to -4 (89-85). Moment chosen by Kuzminskas to release a 3-pointer from elsewhere, at the buzzer (94-85). He can smile, and Steve Kerr too.
A basket that hurts since Lithuania attacks the “money time” with these famous 10 points ahead (95-85). Like Austin Reaves, the US are trying to come back to 3-pointers but this time there is no rebound, and on throws, Lithuania flies away (97-85). Edwards’ efforts were not enough, and after an endless free throw contest, Lithuania created the feat with a victory (110-104). A success that directs them to Serbia in the quarter-finals, while the United States will face Italy. But the passage is over, Team USA is not invincible!
Video summary and stats to come
