Team USA ran into a roadblock following an undefeated stretch to start the 2023 FIBA World Cup. During a second-round matchup with Lithuania, Steve Kerr’s squad fell 110-104, failing to climb out of a 31-12 hole following one quarter of play.
The undersized American squad was led by 35 points from Anthony Edwards, but a late push to come back and steal a win wasn’t enough. Following the loss, the critics of Kerr’s small-ball approach were out in full force and had plenty to say after Team USA was out-rebounded 43-27 and gave up 18 offensive boards in the process.
Team USA lost to Lithuania, I think we can all agree it’s time for Steve Kerr to step down and let a real coach take over pic.twitter.com/5XzmKWKIsc
— Jai (@Jai_305_) September 3, 2023
Steve Kerr without illegal screens and Steph curry pic.twitter.com/GMbFbIs0X6
— Grizz Szn (@Reedh98) September 3, 2023
“You know you can play 2 Bigs right?”
— 3 the Hardaway 🏀🏀🏀 (@3theHardawayPod) September 3, 2023
Steve Kerr: pic.twitter.com/IruPxiQJTr
Steve Kerr trying to remember how to draw a play that doesn’t involve Steph Curry and a moving screen
— Villain aka Threat (@uHThreaT) September 3, 2023
pic.twitter.com/KZCuryOKUp
Steve Kerr still thinks it’s the small ball era 😂. We been past that.
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) September 3, 2023
NBA and FIBA is two different sports, talent and athleticism doesn't matter on the FIBA level, USA finding that out the hard way right now. Boxing out and match-ups are key, Steve Kerr playing small finally came to bite him in the ass.
— Life's too short (@Rollingitup1) September 3, 2023
Great switch-beater from Lithuania
— PickandPop (@PickAndPopNet) September 3, 2023
Hurting Steve Kerr's team's switching with one of Steve Kerr's favorite switch attacks (Back Screen Seal) pic.twitter.com/8Kzh5N4kqA
