Despite 6’11 NBA DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. Leading Their Front, Veteran Reporter Points at Team USA’s Weakness: “They Just Didn’t Have Enough Size”

Germany shocked the world when they beat favorites Team USA in the semi-final match of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. After a dominant win in the Quarter-Final match, Team USA looked like they were on course to win the gold. But Dennis Schroder and Co. had other plans for the young American squad. Germany came out all guns blazing and set the tone from the first whistle. Germany beat Team USA 113-111 in the thrilling encounter.

After Team USA’s disappointing exit from the World Cup, veteran ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst revealed the reason that led to the downfall of the American team.

Brian Windhorst breaks down Team USA’s World Cup exit

As the world witnessed the thriller between Germany and the USA, it was evident that Team USA was lacking in one department. ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst said, “They just didn’t have enough size.” Despite having the 6’11” reigning NBA Defensive Player of The Year, Jaren Jackson Jr. in their team, Team USA was dominated on the glass by the German squad. Team USA gave up 25 second-chance points in the match, which was the primary reason for their loss. Dennis Schroder and Co. outrebounded the Jaren Jackson Jr.-led team 30-28.

Despite being one of the tallest players in the American squad, the Memphis Grizzlies center ended up with only 3 rebounds. The 6’4” guard Anthony Edwards led Team USA with 8 rebounds, which was not enough to secure their place in the final. “We don’t have much at Center. We don’t have much at Power Forward,” added Windy, exposing Team USA’s biggest weakness in the tournament.

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Their lack of size was evident from Team USA’s first defensive possession of the match as Germany scored an easy 3-pointer after grabbing the offensive rebound over Anthony Edwards.

Team USA will look for some redemption in the Bronze Medal match

The 113 points scored by Germany are the most points allowed in a FIBA World Cup game by Team USA. The previous record of 110 was set a few games ago in their loss to Lithuania. Even against Lithuania, Team USA was outrebounded 27-43. Knowing they will not be taking home the World Cup this year, Team USA will now look for redemption by winning the Bronze Medal match against Canada.

The Canadian team led by All-NBA First Team Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not be an easy squad for Anthony Edwards and Co to overcome. Canada also has a lot of size in their team, which could cause trouble for the undersized Team USA.

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Team USA will need to look past their loss and focus on the task ahead. It will be a disappointing campaign for the young squad if they do not return home with any hardware. The Bronze Medal and the Gold Medal match will take place this Sunday.