Team USA entered the World Cup cycle with a strong roster and a game plan that aimed to overcome the size differential against their opponents. It was a sensible bet, considering the skill and talent of the American team. However, the reality is that they left themselves exposed. This vulnerability was evident in the game against Germany, where the Europeans’ height advantage played a crucial role in their 113-111 victory over Team USA in the world semifinals.
Size Matters: Overcoming the Unsurmountable
Despite their efforts, Team USA failed to overcome the significant size difference against Germany. The Germans capitalized on their advantage and outplayed the Americans in crucial moments of the game. Throughout the tournament, the lack of height was a recurring issue for Team USA, as demonstrated in their loss to Lithuania. The opposing teams’ big and strong players put immense pressure on the American defense, ultimately leading to Team USA’s defeat.
One of the factors that contributed to Germany’s success was their ability to secure offensive rebounds. The Germans pulled down 12 offensive boards, resulting in 25 second-chance points. In contrast, Team USA only managed to gather eight second-chance points. The Germans’ dominance on the offensive glass allowed them to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain the upper hand throughout the game.
Dennis Schroder, the German point guard, proved to be a formidable weapon against Team USA. His exceptional ball-handling skills, combined with the German height advantage, created a flow of high-percentage scoring opportunities for his team. Team USA’s defense struggled to contain Schroder and the German big men, resulting in a dazzling 58% shooting percentage for Germany. Moreover, the Germans exploited mismatches created by defensive switches, leading to open looks from beyond the arc. Germany capitalized on these opportunities, nailing 13 of their 30 attempted three-point shots.
The Price of Being Small: Rebounding Woes
The lack of size and physicality haunted Team USA throughout the game. They were outrebounded consistently by the Germans, who displayed more aggression and strength on the boards. This disadvantage in rebounding created additional scoring opportunities for Germany and prevented Team USA from mounting a significant comeback. Guard Anthony Edwards acknowledged the physicality of the German team, emphasizing that it played a crucial role in their victory.
A Tough Bet and a Missed Opportunity
Team USA’s decision to play with a small lineup throughout the tournament was a strategic move by coach Steve Kerr. However, it came with risks. Kerr opted for a lineup featuring Josh Hart at power forward and Jaren Jackson Jr. at center for most of the tournament. Although this alignment had its benefits under certain circumstances, it proved to be ineffective against teams with significant size advantages. The absence of a true center, Walker Kessler, in the rotation further limited the American team’s options to counter the opposing teams’ size.
Lessons Learned: Moving Forward
While Team USA played without Brandon Ingram due to illness, it does not diminish the fact that Germany was the superior team in this matchup. The loss serves as a reminder that history and reputation alone do not guarantee victory. The American players, including top scorers Anthony Edwards and Mikal Bridges, acknowledged the disappointment of falling short of expectations. Jalen Brunson recognized the need for the team to come prepared and ready to compete from the start.
Team USA’s bet to overcome the size differential using other attributes did not yield the desired results. The Germans’ height advantage, combined with their offensive prowess and outrebounding dominance, ultimately led to Team USA’s defeat. This loss highlights the need for strategic adjustments and a reassessment of the team’s approach to future tournaments. It is essential to address the size differential challenge and find ways to mitigate its impact. Only then can Team USA reclaim its dominance on the international basketball stage.
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