Lithuania made sure that was the only good development for the Americans on Sunday night, when they opened up a 52-31 lead late in the first half, and held on to a 110-104 win in a dramatic finish against the USA.
Vaidas Kariniauskas scored 15 points, Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 14. The Americans, among the smallest teams at this tournament, struggled against Lithuania, who have three starters 6ft 9 in or taller. The Europeans, thus, had 43 rebounds compared to the USA's 27 in the game, a factor that played a large part in the final result.
The loss – the first for the US in 10 games this summer, including five exhibitions on the way to the World Cup – came on a night when the Americans officially clinched a berth at the Paris Games.
But it was still a shock, especially for a US team who are overwhelming favorites to win the gold. Anthony Edwards led the US with 35 points, his high of the summer, while Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 14.
For Lithuania, it became another night to remember against USA Basketball. And they sent a clear message to the Americans and anyone else still in the World Cup.
Lithuania have pushed the US to the limit, and beyond, more than a few times. Lithuania lost to the Americans by nine in a preliminary game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, then escaped with a two-point win in the semi-finals – and remained unbeaten in the Dream Team Olympic era – when Sarunas Jasikevicius' three-point try as time expired fell short.
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