With ambitious NBA talents, the USA wanted to become basketball world champions. In the end, they don’t even win a medal. Canada, on the other hand, manages a premiere
The USA’s basketball stars also lost the bronze medal at the World Championships in Asia two days after their semi-final exit against Germany. In the third-place game, head coach Steve Kerr’s team lost 118-127 (111-111, 56-58) after overtime to Canada and thus finished the tournament in fourth place. The Canadians, on the other hand, won their first ever medal at a World Championship in Manila on Sunday, led by star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points, twelve assists) and top defender Dillon Brooks (39 points).
Even a sensational move by Mikal Bridges, who intentionally missed a free throw at the end of regulation time and converted a three-pointer after his own rebound to equalise, was not enough for the US team. The USA no longer seemed to take the bronze medal game seriously at the Mall of Asia Arena in front of 10,666 spectators. Paolo Banchero, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. didn’t even play due to health reasons.
USA want to go to the Olympics with a changed squad
Behind Anthony Edwards (24 points) and Austin Reaves (23), too few pros from the US team full of NBA pros were convincing. In addition, the defence was once again desolate. Two days earlier, the USA had lost the semi-final 111-113 to Germany and thus prematurely missed out on their sixth World Cup title.
However, the Americans are qualified for the 2024 Olympics with their World Cup result. A different team is expected in Paris. There is speculation about the return of players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker or Jayson Tatum. The somewhat older superstars Stephen Curry (35 years) and LeBron James (38) could also make a comeback for the Olympic Games.
