Head coach Steve Kerr mentioned the United States must sharpen up after they suffered their first lack of the Basketball World Cup on Sunday, taking place to Lithuania however nonetheless advancing to the quarter-finals.
The US launched a livid second-half comeback after falling into a giant gap earlier than the interval, nevertheless it was not sufficient to cease Lithuania from claiming a 110-104 win.
Kerr mentioned he “loved the way our guys fought back” however warned they must begin sooner once they face Italy within the quarter-finals on Tuesday in Manila.
“We needed to feel this, we needed to respond, and next game we have to start the way we did in the second half,” he mentioned.
“We can’t ease into the game at all. I’m hoping that this is a lesson and we get better from this.”
Kerr mentioned Lithuania “came out of the gates on fire”, nailing their first 9 three-point makes an attempt to rack up a 17-point lead at half-time.
The US fought again, outscoring Lithuania 28-17 within the third quarter, however the Europeans stored their noses in entrance to protect their unbeaten report on the match.
Kerr mentioned Lithuania, who will face Serbia within the quarter-finals, had been “brilliant” and “were carving us up” within the first half.
“We’re fortunate that the loss doesn’t hurt us in terms of our goal, which is to win the gold medal,” he mentioned.
“But it’s a great game for us to experience because this is FIBA.
“There’s some great teams that have continuity, that understand what they’re doing, that execute.”
Anthony Edwards completed as the sport’s high scorer with 35 factors, whereas Vaidas Kariniauskas led Lithuania with 15 factors.
Originally printed as Lithuania shocks USA at Basketball World Cup however Steve Kerr’s group nonetheless eyeing gold
Source: www.news.com.au
