Bobby Portis: ‘It’s about how you overcome adversity’
The American national team was not invincible. In the final match of the second league, when Lithuania allowed the lead two minutes after the start of the game, they were unable to catch up even once and suffered a 104-110 defeat.
Following the game with the Montenegro National Team, which had a tough fight last time, it was a big struggle with rebounds, 27-43. Last time, he connected from defense to break and filled the rebound disadvantage with a fast break point, but this time it was 17-11 there, but it didn’t make a big difference.
Starting center Jaren Jackson Jr. was only able to play for 15 minutes due to foul trouble and had just one rebound. Substitutes Paolo Banquero and Walker Kessler were also unable to match Lithuania’s height. In that situation, when the awareness of defense gathers inside, Lithuania efficiently decides 14 out of 25 3-point shots.
Lithuania closed the talent gap by working harder than the US and fighting physically. The best player in the game was Anthony Edwards with 35 points, followed by an American player, but Lithuania’s most played player was Tadas Sedekerskis (11 points, 11 rebounds) with 22 1/2 minutes. So, fresh players were always sent out on the court and kept fighting bravely.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas, who scored 14 goals, said he repeatedly watched footage of Lithuania’s victory over the United States at the 1998 World Championships and the 2004 Olympics to boost his morale before the match. “It’s unbelievable, but we made it. How big it means for our country to beat America. I’m happy for my country, for myself, for my family. But the next game is coming.” It’s coming soon, so I can’t be overjoyed.”
Reserve point guard Vidas Kaliniauskas led the team with 15 points in 17 1/2 minutes. “The coach’s advice was ‘enjoy the game,'” he said. “There aren’t many games that get this much attention for us. We didn’t really think about how we were going to play, we just played.”
For the United States, it was the first loss since the start of the team. Before the start of the match, it was decided that they would be able to advance to the final tournament regardless of victory or defeat. Still, it was definitely a game that should have been won, and all the players felt humiliated. “I was lucky to be able to keep going,” said Edwards, while Michal Bridges said, “We’re not out.
Veteran Bobby Portis said: “We needed adversity. Or you have no choice but to lose, it will be like a playoff game 7.”
2023-09-03 23:10:00
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