US falls to Lithuania at Basketball World Cup but still qualifies for Paris Olympics

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The United States has secured a place in the upcoming Paris Olympics, despite suffering a surprising defeat at the hands of Lithuania in a recent Basketball World Cup matchup. The unexpected turn of events saw Lithuania emerge victorious with a score of 110-104 in a second-round game at the World Cup. While this loss marked the first for the U.S. during its 10-game run this summer, it was juxtaposed with the confirmation of the American team’s qualification for the Paris Games.

The outcome of this defeat is not likely to hinder the U.S.’s pursuit of a World Cup medal. The team is set to engage in a quarterfinal game on Tuesday as the knockout stage for the final eight teams commences. Should they secure victories on Tuesday, Thursday, and the following Sunday, the United States could clinch the prestigious gold medal.

However, the loss came as a shock, especially considering the U.S. team’s status as the overwhelming favorite to secure the gold medal. Leading the U.S. with a remarkable 35 points was Anthony Edwards, achieving his highest score of the summer. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges also made contributions with 14 points each.

For Lithuania, this victory held significant meaning, as it added another remarkable chapter to its history against USA Basketball. Notably, Lithuania has been a formidable adversary for the U.S. on several occasions, including a preliminary game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, a tight win in the semifinals of the same event, and other instances such as the 1998 world championships and the early stages of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Despite the match’s implications being somewhat reduced due to both teams already securing spots in the upcoming quarterfinals, the game provided a captivating display of skill and determination. Lithuania’s remarkable performance, exemplified by their accurate 3-point shooting and a commanding early lead, showcased their prowess. The U.S. team rallied in the third quarter, cutting a significant halftime deficit and sparking a comeback effort. Nonetheless, Lithuania held on to its lead, ultimately prevailing and securing the victory.

As the American team gears up for the Paris Olympics, its journey in the Basketball World Cup has been marked by twists and turns. The United States, having secured a top placement from the Americas Region, secures an automatic berth into the Olympic tournament. While other teams vied for quarterfinal spots, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic faced defeats that marked the end of their World Cup campaign.

Looking ahead, the Olympic men’s basketball tournament will feature 12 nations. The host country, France, has already qualified, along with Australia, South Sudan, Japan, and the United States based on their World Cup standings. Additional Olympic berths will be awarded to the top two teams from the Americas, Europe, and the top teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

It’s important to recall that the United States secured Olympic gold in the men’s basketball tournament at the Tokyo Games two summers prior, highlighting their remarkable prowess in international competition. For further updates on NBA and sports news, refer to the following sources: AP NBA and AP sports.

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