Steve Kerr and his troops may be suffering their worst nightmare currently. After a dominant spell in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA faced a humiliating exit. The hopes for the nation’s sixth gold medal in the tournament came crashing down as Team Germany delivered the greatest upset of the tournament. Naturally, Team USA’s fans seemed enraged after this disappointment.
Team USA came into the 2023 FIBA World Cup as betting favorites to win the coveted title. Their roster featured some of the NBA’s most talented youngsters, much to the fans’ excitement. However, this highly talented roster could not hold up to the might of the unbeaten Team Germany. Their loss, while infuriating fans, has also prompted demands to bring back NBA legends, Stephen Curry and LeBron James to the Team USA roster.
Steve Kerr’s men break a million hearts
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When Team USA hired the Golden State Warriors‘ Steve Kerr as their head coach, the fans knew no end to their excitement. One of the greatest winners in the NBA had been tasked to deliver Team USA’s sixth FIBA World Cup gold medal. Unsurprisingly, Kerr led Team USA all the way to the semifinals, suffering just one loss in their journey. However, then came a gutting upset.
Dennis Schroder and Team Germany delivered the most significant upset of the tournament. They managed to toss Team USA out of championship contention. Their 113-111 win marked Team USA’s second consecutive return home without a gold medal. Although the team put up a close fight, Team Germany prevailed shockingly.
GERMANY MAKE HISTORY! 🔥🔥🔥#FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/aWcnFLbOrp
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
Team USA brought the lead down to 2 with just 0.5 seconds left after struggling to close the gap throughout the 4th quarter. However, the German contingent proved too strong for them in the end. Team USA’s offense clicked throughout the game, but they lacked defensive effort which Team Germany exploited brilliantly. Six German players crossed the double-figure mark while three eclipsed the 20-point mark as well. Although Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards shined, Team USA’s efforts were arguably lackluster.
READ MORE: All the Records Smashed by Team USA From Their Dominant Win Against Italy at the 2023 FIBA World Cup
This humiliating loss may have disappointed the players, but the fans seemed enraged. While brutally criticizing the team’s performance, they also urged USA Basketball to recruit the legendary rivals, LeBron James and Stephen Curry for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Fans bring NBA legends into the conversation
Although Team USA has missed out on the opportunity to bag the gold medal, they have a chance to redeem themselves in the 2024 Paris Olympics. On the greatest international stage for sports, the stakes are always at an all-time high. Given the importance of this event, fans have now urged USA Basketball to recruit Chef Curry and King James to participate in the Olympic Games while berating the FIBA World Cup roster.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram
Fans urged USA Basketball to recruit LeBron James and Stephen Curry to redeem Team USA’s glory in the Olympics. “Get lebron and Steph out there“ they said. They added, “steph and lebron would let em know wassup”. Some criticized Team USA roster, saying “Don’t bring any of these players back come 2024“.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, some mocked specific players on the team. “Austin Reaves get ready to learn Chinese“ they said, mocking the Los Angeles Lakers guard. Some also brought up the recent controversy involving track and field athlete Noah Lyles. “WORLD CHAMPIONS OF WHAT?“ they joked, hilariously quoting Lyles’ statement. Fans expressed their displeasure with Team USA’s major upset. Now, the team will have to compete with Team Canada for the bronze medal in the event. Meanwhile, Team Germany and Team Serbia will face off in the ultimate battle for the coveted gold medal.
WATCH THIS STORY: Which Nation Has Won the Most FIBA World Cups?