Size and continuity close the talent gap in international ball. So, no, neither the U.S. nor Canada is a lock to win this event.
Lithuania’s offensive strategy showcased one of many areas of FIBA ball that makes it harder for players who are unfamiliar. With no illegal defense rules, the defense can be way more aggressive against isos on the block, but the U.S. seemed reluctant to try this after Lithuania’simpersonation in the first quarter.
Other subtle rules differences sometimes trip up the North American sides at random times too. For instance, the U.S. seemed to completely forget that the shot clock is only 14 seconds on possessions that begin on the opposite side of half court, leading to a costly second-half turnover as they tried to come back against Lithuania.
Of course, talent still matters, and the U.S. and Canada still have more of it than anyone else. Of the other six quarterfinalists, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy and Slovenia each have just one active NBA player on their roster; Germany has four, and Serbia has three. The U.S. and Canadabe favored; that’s just not the same thing as saying they’ll automatically win.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
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