FIBA World Cup 2023 Official Discussion Thread

[BurningHammer]

https://www.fiba.basketball/BBMContent/brandings/d9001ae3-cbf5-409a-bc25-aa312589691b/OgImage_en.png

https://cdn.nba.com/manage/2023/04/draw-results-fiba-23.png

Day 1 has already started. A lot of blowouts so far. Jordan Clarkson's Philippines managed to lose to KAT's the DR by 6. France vs Canada is at the half with Canada leading in a close game.

[BurningHammer]

Brooks vs Fornier is interesting.

[BurningHammer]

Fournier is ice cold after a hot 1st half. SGA is hitting mid-range shots. Canada is leading by 2 digits now. :rockon:

[BurningHammer]

Holy, France is shook. Canada is leading by 20 at the end of the 3rd. :eek:

[BurningHammer]

30 points lead for Canada :bowdown:

[post]

not watching but

sga might be the best player in the tournament and they have a good roster even with multiple guys missing

[BurningHammer]

not watching but

sga might be the best player in the tournament and they have a good roster even with multiple guys missing

He was terrible in the 1st quarter, but he heated up for the rest of the game. NAW, Brooks and Olynyk are playing very well too.

[BurningHammer]

Amazing result for Team Canada. Only Kristaps-less Latvia left in its group now.

[Lebron23]

The Philippines put up a great fight against the Dominican Republic

https://scontent.fmnl25-5.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/369906012_793852302749045_6071906337280165909_n.jp g?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rxJSkTU14y0AX-eCLzQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl25-5.fna&_nc_e2o=c&oh=00_AfCGe9No0gF3AvxKzMl4IqtL_syyzgJh1gZC95kBGDEt hw&oe=64EE559E

[Xiao Yao You]

The Philippines put up a great fight against the Dominican Republic

https://scontent.fmnl25-5.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/369906012_793852302749045_6071906337280165909_n.jp g?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rxJSkTU14y0AX-eCLzQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl25-5.fna&_nc_e2o=c&oh=00_AfCGe9No0gF3AvxKzMl4IqtL_syyzgJh1gZC95kBGDEt hw&oe=64EE559E

They lost to the Dominican Republic! I can only only imagine how much The Bum is gunning :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

USA should coast at least until the medal round. They already beat Greece easily

[Xiao Yao You]

typical Bum performance. 9-24 1-6 from 3 8 TO

[Lebron23]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY8ey9v8hVk JC to June Mar connection

[Kblaze8855]

They lost to the Dominican Republic! I can only only imagine how much The Bum is gunning :roll:

The best player between those teams is clearly KAT. Not like he just lost by 30 with a team full of nba players.

[Lebron23]

Some nba teams might have an interest on signing the 5 feet 6 lighting night quick Childe Dundao.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3amZyhi68s

[Spurs m8]

Aussies gunning for gold

[Xiao Yao You]

Aussies gunning for gold

with Exum playing :lol

[BurningHammer]

Aussies gunning for gold

Other than having a small roster, sure.

[Manny98]

lol France got destroyed by Canada:oldlol:

Rudy with his usual dreadful performance on the big stage

[Xiao Yao You]

lol France got destroyed by Canada:oldlol:

Rudy with his usual dreadful performance on the big stage

Bronze and silver at Euro under 20 all tourney in 2012

Bronze 2014 World Cup. This is all before he emerged as the Man in Utah

Bronze 2019 World Cup

Bronze and silver at Eurobasket 2015 and 2022 2nd team in 2015 and first team in 2022

Silver 2020 Olympics

Plus his two playoff upsets vs the 1 time the Jazz lost as the higher seed

Once again the troll ignoring the actual facts.

Gobert, Fournier, Batum, De Colo and Yabusele getting beat by a loaded Canuck squad was expected :facepalm

[Axe]

lol France got destroyed by Canada:oldlol:

Rudy with his usual dreadful performance on the big stage
Lmfao. They should have benched him instead.

[Xiao Yao You]

Lmfao. They should have benched him instead.

Sounds like a hell of a plan Bot

https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/player/Moustapha-Fall

https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/player/Mathias-Lessort

:facepalm

[Kblaze8855]

Plus his two playoff upsets vs the 1 time the Jazz lost as the higher seed


Two wins vs teams with the exact same record one of them coming in a game seven Rudy fouled out of in 13 minutes. If you judged everybody by standards that low you wouldn’t need to be on here shitting on so many supposed chucker Hall of Famer‘s.

[Xiao Yao You]

Two wins vs teams with the exact same record one of them coming in a game seven Rudy fouled out of in 13 minutes. If you judged everybody by standards that low you wouldn’t need to be on here shitting on so many supposed chucker Hall of Famer‘s.

the other team had home court advantage. He was playing hurt when he fouled out. I judge based on the facts. He's overachieved every step of the way no matter how much any of you want to discount his efforts

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Adams: Raul Neto was injured in Brazil’s match against Iran. The match has stopped. Neto is taken aside on a stretcher. (http://twitter.com/AlexAdamsBTP/status/1695388594582794411) #FIBAWorldcup

– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/AlexAdamsBTP/status/1695388594582794411)



Hope for the best. Will miss him in the NBA

[BurningHammer]

Haka is aesthetic. :rockon:

Too bad you don't see other warrior dances in international basketball often unlike rugby.

[BurningHammer]

Pinoys loves Austin Reaves :oldlol:

[Lebron23]

https://www.facebook.com/100089662964628/videos/289055410433747

[BurningHammer]

Banchero should stay on the court as long as possible. He is good. Team Italy should have convinced him more.

[BurningHammer]

Meanwhile, Serbia is crushing China. Slovenia is winning with Luka's 37 points.

Luol Deng's South Sudan gave a decent fight in a losing effort against Puerto Rico.

[Xiao Yao You]

Banchero should stay on the court as long as possible. He is good. Team Italy should have convinced him more.

Probably the main reason he's even on the USA roster was so he didn't play elsewhere

[Xiao Yao You]

New Zealand was up early. 2nd unit took over

[Xiao Yao You]

Banchero leading the way

[Manny98]

Bronze and silver at Euro under 20 all tourney in 2012

Bronze 2014 World Cup. This is all before he emerged as the Man in Utah

Bronze 2019 World Cup

Bronze and silver at Eurobasket 2015 and 2022 2nd team in 2015 and first team in 2022

Silver 2020 Olympics

Plus his two playoff upsets vs the 1 time the Jazz lost as the higher seed

Once again the troll ignoring the actual facts.

Gobert, Fournier, Batum, De Colo and Yabusele getting beat by a loaded Canuck squad was expected :facepalm
Nobody asked :oldlol:

[Xiao Yao You]

Nobody asked :oldlol:

No facts aren't something you want as a troll. I realize this

[BurningHammer]

Germany beats Australia! :rockon:

Canada trashed Lebanon! :rockon:

[Kblaze8855]

I’m wondering when Canada just takes good at one of these things. They can go and they have the star power. I need to watch their games closer. See if they actually play together.

[BurningHammer]

Japan just upsets Markkanen's Finland with a huge comeback in the 4th quarter! :eek: :bowdown:

[BurningHammer]

Hey, Lebron23, your boys lost again to a beatable team in Angola. Thoughts?

[Lebron23]

Hey, Lebron23, your boys lost again to a beatable team in Angola. Thoughts?

we need to replace our coach. Our team is too much over reliant on Jordan Clarkson's performance

[BurningHammer]

Japan beating Finland is its first ever victory over a European team in Japan basketball history. :cheers:

[BurningHammer]

Woah, Latvia is leading France by 1 after trailing for a long time. 30 secs or so left. :eek:

[BurningHammer]

Latvia wins!

France is out!

:rockon::rockon::rockon:

[r0drig0lac]

lol Gobert...

[BurningHammer]

lol Gobert...

The bigger problem is that Batum has been completely invisible in this tournament though.

[Xiao Yao You]

we need to replace our coach. Our team is too much over reliant on Jordan Clarkson's performance

You thought someone else would touch the ball with The Bum on the floor? :roll:

[Manny98]

France out already :roll:

[WhiteKyrie]

Rudy Toody Fresh AND Fruity

[Axe]

Lolol

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10087425-nba-fans-troll-rudy-gobert-france-after-2023-fiba-world-cup-elimination-by-latvia.amp.html

[Real Men Wear Green]

“‘This is totally different than what I am used to,’ ‘The team is winning right now, so I can’t be selfish thinking about myself. But it’s a little frustrating right now for me, and I’m just trying to figure out ways I can be effective.'”

1: Guess who said this.
2: Does it bother you?

[90sgoat]

Bertans going off against Roody Toody with 4/10 from 3 and 4/10 overall :roll:

Imagine this team with Kristaps.

Someone who has watched the games, what is up with France? I only watched the pre-games. Do they still have Nando De Colo? He didn't seem very visible in the game I watched.

Boxscore says 0/1 and only 18mpg? Is he injured. Nando was the best on that Euro champs team.

[90sgoat]

Some interesting games tomorrow.

Luka will probably smoke Georgia.

Then you have Puerto Rico vs Serbia, should be a good test of how strong Serbia are.

Greece vs USA, should be a comfortable US win, but could expose some weaknesses.

Brazil vs Spain, same situation, how strong are Spain, against decent competition.

Overall, same situation here, the favories, Serbia, Spain, US, in a test against competent teams.

[Lebron23]

https://scontent.fmnl25-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/371343445_839309201176117_2342217898811708232_n.jp g?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=-gRLLcJZ_twAX_Hts0l&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl25-3.fna&oh=00_AfAztUij9huP2wo1HgLtrGHOMQNxxKI2CqwlY_60M_wq MQ&oe=64F0E893

PBA MVP vs B league MVP. Kawamura was only 18 years old when he turned pro.

[90sgoat]

Slovenia is way to weak a team to make it far, but Luka is singed handedly making them a serious team. They could upset a team in the the elimination games if they aren't ready.

[Kblaze8855]

1: Guess who said this.
2: Does it bother you?

i don’t know what his problem is. Who is he behind that doesn’t make sense to him? And as he said they’re winning so…..

[90sgoat]

Luka has changed his shooting form this summer. His release is much quicker now. Should help in late games when he is tired.

[PAOK]

Papagiannis with 11pts against DPOY JJJ in the 1st quartrr

[90sgoat]

Greece seems like a serious team. Not any great players, but very fundamentally sound, physical, high tempo. A professional team. If you don't take them seriously, you will lose, even with talent advantage.

[PAOK]

Maybe use Kesslet when playing against a traditional 7footer?

[90sgoat]

Banchero can get up, wow

[Hey Yo]

U.S up 15 on Greece with 5mins left in the 2nd.

[90sgoat]

U.S up 15 on Greece with 5mins left in the 2nd.

Much better coached team this time around, which probably has to do with picking more coachable players.

[90sgoat]

Pappagiannis seems like he could play in the NBA

[BurningHammer]

RHJ has 39 points for Jordan (the country, not the man :oldlol:) in a losing effort against NZ.

[90sgoat]

RHJ has 39 points for Jordan (the country, not the man :oldlol:) in a losing effort against NZ.

How does RHJ get to play for Jordan?

[BurningHammer]

Looks like this Team USA does well against zone defense.

[90sgoat]

Looks like this Team USA does well against zone defense.

They have some very good 3 point shooters in Brunson, Halliburton etc who can get off shots without being very open, so that helps.

[90sgoat]

I'm going to look like an idiot with my prediction of this US team.

[Xiao Yao You]

Maybe use Kesslet when playing against a traditional 7footer?

Didn't matter but it seemed like Kessler might have gotten a look against the guy

[BurningHammer]

Spain v Brasil has been decent.

[Manny98]

Bertans going off against Roody Toody with 4/10 from 3 and 4/10 overall :roll:

Imagine this team with Kristaps.

Someone who has watched the games, what is up with France? I only watched the pre-games. Do they still have Nando De Colo? He didn't seem very visible in the game I watched.

Boxscore says 0/1 and only 18mpg? Is he injured. Nando was the best on that Euro champs team.
Everyone goes off against that bum

[Xiao Yao You]

Everyone goes off against that bum

sure everyone always does no matter who it is. Every point is scored against the 3 time DPOY :lol

[BurningHammer]

https://streamable.com/kydfiw

Kristaps has been there cheering his Latvian bros. :rockon:

[BurningHammer]

Who knew the best player in Team USA so far would be Austin Reaves. :D

[Ghost1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYkhHnw_2JI

[FultzNationRISE]

Who knew the best player in Team USA so far would be Austin Reaves. :D


It’s called LEARNING FROM LEBRON :hammerhead:

He still sucks tho and should be upgraded by the Lakers ASAP.

[tpols]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYkhHnw_2JI

Luka is just one step ahead of everyone mentally. He's the slowest quick guy I've seen I think. He always gets by, but it's by feigning the defender out of position.

[BurningHammer]

Luka is just one step ahead of everyone mentally. He's the slowest quick guy I've seen I think. He always gets by, but it's by feigning the defender out of position.

Ain't he just plow into the defender and still get a foul at 0:30? That defender didn't seem to be out of position and could be called offensive foul other times.

[Xiao Yao You]

refs don't want to hear him whine

[90sgoat]

Refs have begun calling the game more like in the NBA including allowing that Harden stepback.

[Axe]

Refs have begun calling the game more like in the NBA including allowing that Harden stepback.
Commentators: "Step back J!!!"

:lebronamazed:

[BurningHammer]

Latvia has a good start against Canada in the 1st.

[BurningHammer]

Group E is done. Germany and Australia are moving on as expected.

[90sgoat]

Commentators: "Step back J!!!"

:lebronamazed:

That move shouldn't be allowed.

[BurningHammer]

The DR and Italy are through in group A.

[BurningHammer]

Very nice run by Team Canada! Finishing the 2nd with a lead by RJ's buzzer beater layup after trailing Latvia most of the game so far.

[BurningHammer]

In group D, Latvia and Montenegro are in 1st and 2nd.

[BurningHammer]

SGA is so hot right now! :banana::kobe:

[Xiao Yao You]

The Bum is consistent I'll give him that. 8-20 1-7 3pt 4 TO.

[BurningHammer]

Team Canada stays undefeated into the next round. :rockon:

[BurningHammer]

The Bum is consistent I'll give him that. 8-20 1-7 3pt 4 TO.

When your game plan is "Give the ball to Clarkson". :ohwell:

[BurningHammer]

SGA is the first ever player to have +10 pts, +5 rbs, +5 asts in the first three debut games in FIBA WC. :applause:

[Xiao Yao You]

When your game plan is "Give the ball to Clarkson". :ohwell:

Not sure if that is the game plan or not but once he touches it he's not giving it up. Pound the ball, throwing up a prayer with 4 teammates standing around watching the eventual brick is what he does

[Manny98]

Reaves is like a hybrid between Manu and Kyrie

He's such a joy to watch, Lakers are lucky to have him

[FultzNationRISE]

Reaves is like a hybrid between Manu and Kyrie

He's such a joy to watch, Lakers are lucky to have him


:crazysam:


No, theyre not. Ship his ass out and get LeKing some real help.

[Xiao Yao You]

:crazysam:


No, theyre not. Ship his ass out and get LeKing some real help.

yes please. He deserves Harden. Lakers fans certainly don't deserve Reaves

[bison]

:crazysam:


No, theyre not. Ship his ass out and get LeKing some real help.

Reaves is already arguably better than lebron. Does the same things lebron does but with more efficiency and a brighter future

[FultzNationRISE]

Reaves is already arguably better than lebron. Does the same things lebron does but with more efficiency and a brighter future


Id type out a rebuttal but I literally cant stop laughing :roll::roll::roll:

Priceless!!!! :roll: :roll:

[90sgoat]

Shai did an obvious carry last game.

Rip FIBA, now they allow carry.

[Xiao Yao You]

Montenegro and Lithuania next up. Should be able to take them. Lithuania always tough

[BurningHammer]

NZ is leading Greece by 11 at the half. An upset in a making?

[WhiteKyrie]

Reaves is like a hybrid between Manu and Kyrie

He's such a joy to watch, Lakers are lucky to have him

I wouldn’t go as far to say Kyrie but yes his player comp is interesting to nail down. I think a right handed Manu is all you need. He’s not as dynamic or eye grabbing or explosive scoring wise as Kyrie.

[ArbitraryWater]

Reaves is already arguably better than lebron. Does the same things lebron does but with more efficiency and a brighter future


wtf :roll::roll::roll:



ol bison over hea

[Xiao Yao You]

I wouldn’t go as far to say Kyrie but yes his player comp is interesting to nail down. I think a right handed Manu is all you need. He’s not as dynamic or eye grabbing or explosive scoring wise as Kyrie.

He's good he's no Manu

[Xiao Yao You]

Greece for the 3rd time

[FultzNationRISE]

He's good he's no Manu

This.

Manu was more explosive, better finisher at the rim.

Reaves is a good player, hes just not good enough to be playing with Lebron.

With prime Manu in the fold Lebron wins like 9 chips.

[hold this L]

This.

Manu was more explosive, better finisher at the rim.

Reaves is a good player, hes just not good enough to be playing with Lebron.

With prime Manu in the fold Lebron wins like 9 chips.
That's impossible with LeNewChapter, he'd be looking for a better opportunity whenever things aren't perfect.

[tpols]

Reaves is rare that in American white boys typically have no dribble playmaking game. Because their whole life at top AAU levels they were told to just spot up shoot or post. Only black kids got to handle the rock indefinitely time wise.

[FireDavidKahn]

Reaves is rare that in American white boys typically have no dribble playmaking game. Because their whole life at top AAU levels they were told to just spot up shoot or post. Only black kids got to handle the rock indefinitely time wise.

Cooper Flagg got next great white hope on lock down

[tpols]

Cooper Flagg got next great white hope on lock down

:lol hopefully. Like Cooper kupp.

[Nb1]

Canada is looking strong!If they had Wiggins and Murray also playing they could beat the US team who looked really underwhelming so far against bums.

[bison]

So there’s a new second group stage after the top 16 advance? Interesting. This looks a bit more competitive now

https://i.ibb.co/drHfPK5/IMG-0531.jpg

[90sgoat]

Yeah, those are some competitive groups.

Serbia has the easiest road onward it seems.

The US will face good competition too with Lithuania.

Group L with Spain, Canada and Latvia also is wide open and not to mention Group K with German vs Slovenia and how strong are Australia?

This will be very interesting to watch.

[Xiao Yao You]

Reaves is rare that in American white boys typically have no dribble playmaking game. Because their whole life at top AAU levels they were told to just spot up shoot or post. Only black kids got to handle the rock indefinitely time wise.

depends on where they come from. Some places it's mostly white. Someone has to handle the ball. He's more athletic than most and has some size as well

[Xiao Yao You]

Canada is looking strong!If they had Wiggins and Murray also playing they could beat the US team who looked really underwhelming so far against bums.

USA has looked a lot better than anyone should have expected based on past results with similarly young squads we've sent. Beat the #1 team in a warm up.

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeah, those are some competitive groups.

Serbia has the easiest road onward it seems.

The US will face good competition too with Lithuania.

Group L with Spain, Canada and Latvia also is wide open and not to mention Group K with German vs Slovenia and how strong are Australia?

This will be very interesting to watch.

Exum made Australia and Ingles is about done so I can't imagine they are as good as past teams

[90sgoat]

Exum made Australia and Ingles is about done so I can't imagine they are as good as past teams

No, they don't seem as if they are.

They also lack that celtics center they used to have and basically any strong center.

They always won on their size and physicality and hustle. It seems as if they've gotten softer.

[BurningHammer]

No, they don't seem as if they are.

They also lack that celtics center they used to have and basically any strong center.

They always won on their size and physicality and hustle. It seems as if they've gotten softer.

Yeah. Aussie have such a small roster they may have hard time getting through Slovenia and Georgia.

[BurningHammer]

Philippines still have 0 win even in the lower group round :oldlol:

[Xiao Yao You]

Philippines still have 0 win even in the lower group round :oldlol:

surprising with a proven winner like The Bum leading the way

[BurningHammer]

https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1696885185613074606

Josh Hart is now in the starting lineup in place of Brandon Ingram. :kobe:

[Xiao Yao You]

great move. Ingram has sucked. He won't be around for the olympics I'm sure

[bison]

Ingram is a bucket getter and that might be fine in the NBA, but that style doesn’t translate well in FIBA.

[RRR3]

Ingram is a bucket getter and that might be fine in the NBA, but that style doesn’t translate well in FIBA.
It did for Melo. Maybe your boy just isn't very good.

[Nb1]

USA has looked a lot better than anyone should have expected based on past results with similarly young squads we've sent. Beat the #1 team in a warm up.

How so?

They were struggling to beat New Zealand and Greece at the beginning of the games and those 2 teams have nobody. The splits were like +60pts for New Zealand and +40pts for Greece and the US needed their bench to break out against them lol.

I expect a squad full of NBA players to not have any trouble against farmers, just like they did against Jordan...

[90sgoat]

Anyone watch the Montenegro game?

Australia seems to be in trouble and Luke seems to want to drag this Slovenia team to the finals.

[PAOK]

Montenegro stayed in the game by dominating the boards (23 orebs) but obviously the talent gap was too big to overcome in the end

[BurningHammer]

Latvia just beat Spain today. :eek:

[BurningHammer]

DR vs PR is going toe-to-toe in the 4th. Let's see if KAT can bring the W in a close game.

[BurningHammer]

HOLY A CLUTCH 3 BY PUERTO RICO!! :lebronamazed:

[BurningHammer]

Carlos Arroyo is in the house.

https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2015%2F0828%2Fspecial_a_arroyo01j r__r4796_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg

[BurningHammer]

Puerto Rico wins! :rockon:

Poor KAT can't take a break. :ohwell:

[BurningHammer]

DR can still go to the next round by beating Serbia, which sounds impossible. :ohwell:

[90sgoat]

Lithuania live and breathe basketball.

That country will die on the floor.

[BurningHammer]

Slovenia just beat Australia. With Germany also winning tonight, Australia is out! :eek:

[Xiao Yao You]

How so?

They were struggling to beat New Zealand and Greece at the beginning of the games and those 2 teams have nobody. The splits were like +60pts for New Zealand and +40pts for Greece and the US needed their bench to break out against them lol.

I expect a squad full of NBA players to not have any trouble against farmers, just like they did against Jordan...

Greece had nobody in 2006 either if you consider guys not in the NBA as nobodies which I don't. The bench has been better than the starters at least until Ingram was moved to the bench. They are deep. That's one of their strengths as always. I expected this young team to have problems. They've looked a lot better than I expected. A couple teams kept it close against the original Dream Team for a half as well.

[BurningHammer]

SGA is ballin' once again. :rockon:

[Xiao Yao You]

Latvia just beat Spain today. :eek:

And Gobert wasn't playing for Spain? How was that possible?

[Xiao Yao You]

Tough win! Going to get tougher against Lithuania. They need to step it up

[BurningHammer]

For Greece, it will not matter on Sunday if they lose today. And they are losing.

[BurningHammer]

Lithuania play smart and shoot really well. They are winning for sure.

[90sgoat]

Imagine if Lithuania had Sabonis.

I'm tired of NBA eurostars not playing for their national teams. It's selfish.

[BurningHammer]

Imagine if Lithuania had Sabonis.

I'm tired of NBA eurostars not playing for their national teams. It's selfish.

Give Dom a pass this time. He has some lingering injury and contract issues.

Folks like Ben Simmons or Max Kleber though....

[BurningHammer]

Such a low scoring game between Canada and Brazil.

[Xiao Yao You]

Imagine if Lithuania had Sabonis.

I'm tired of NBA eurostars not playing for their national teams. It's selfish.

Probably be worse defensively with Sabonis

[Xiao Yao You]

Give Dom a pass this time. He has some lingering injury and contract issues.

Folks like Ben Simmons or Max Kleber though....

Simmons has never played and now has a bad back. Not sure why anyone would expect him to play

[BurningHammer]

Simmons has never played and now has a bad back. Not sure why anyone would expect him to play

He did win FIBA Oceania once a decade ago, and has taken every opportunities and every excuses to skip Team Aussie since.

[Xiao Yao You]

He did win FIBA Oceania once a decade ago, and has taken every opportunities and every excuses to skip Team Aussie since.

FIBA Oceania is just New Zealand and Australia isn't isn't it?

[BurningHammer]

Damn, Brazil is stealing this game thanks to Canada's overall sloppiness. :banghead:

[PAOK]

Lithuania shot lights-out in the 2nd half

12/16 from 3

[BurningHammer]

Spain vs Canada will be a great game this Sunday.

[BurningHammer]

Italy also beats Serbia today with 30 points game performance from Simone Fontecchio as well!

4 elimination games this Sunday; DR vs Serbia, PR vs Italy, Canada vs Spain, Latvia vs Brazil! Win or go home! :rockon:

[BurningHammer]

Spain vs Canada will be a great game this Sunday.

Not only the quarter-final spot is on the line, but also the automatic qualifying spot for Paris Olympics is for both teams as well. The loser has to go through the last chance qualifiers.

Huge game with a huge prize package.

[Street Hunger]

Team USA clinched a spot in the quarterfinals when Lithuania beat Greece on Friday.

USA plays Lithuania at 8:40 a.m. ET on Sunday (September 3).

[Kblaze8855]

Imagine if Lithuania had Sabonis.

I'm tired of NBA eurostars not playing for their national teams. It's selfish.

It’s never selfish to take your vacation time. Even when you’re rich.

[90sgoat]

It’s never selfish to take your vacation time. Even when you’re rich.

Yes sure.

Strange how this isn't an issue in soccer.

Euro soccer players would sacrifice the birth of their child to play a national game.

[90sgoat]

Who is watching?

[90sgoat]

JJJ already with two fouls in the 1st quarter, that's going to hurt the US on the boards. That was a strategy from the Lithuanians for sure.

[90sgoat]

Big Val is a monster with FIBA rules.

[CountDracula]

https://i.ibb.co/yV0ykff/EEE5-CF33-387-D-4517-A91-F-1-A146-A2-CE229.jpg (https://ibb.co/wYyWQ00)

https://i.ibb.co/58jsMWZ/82-F1-B9-A1-DD79-4169-A0-E2-10-AA3-D847227.jpg (https://ibb.co/2tMcn7J)

https://i.ibb.co/N6hzBdX/97603-A70-FAAA-4190-9-F5-F-7-B36-A8898-E74.jpg (https://ibb.co/ns2SJNT)

https://i.ibb.co/sVHqrRy/92-E0-BC3-C-0-DB9-4522-B246-5011-AF2-C385-D.gif (https://ibb.co/MC67LSM)

[90sgoat]

Lithuania is a big and strong team, very physical.

They're forcing turnovers, challenging in the paint.

I might put some money down for a medal on them. They look strong.

[90sgoat]

Is the US selling the game to face Italy instead of Serbia?

[PAOK]

Lithuania 6/6 from three.

US 19 points down after the first quarter

[90sgoat]

Montejunas is sloppy.

Skilled but sloppy. Probably why his career in the NBA never panned out.

[PAOK]

US bigs are really struggling defensively. Papagiannis, Vucevic and now Valanciunas are all going off

[90sgoat]

US bigs are really struggling defensively. Papagiannis, Vucevic and now Valanciunas are all going off

The US literally do not have a single world class big outside of Anthony Davis.

30 years of AAU "big wings" in effect.

[90sgoat]

Refs got told to get US back in the game :facepalm

[BurningHammer]

Congrats, Latvia :cheers:

Serbia is also in. KAT's DR got blown out.

[PAOK]

Bridges should be starting over Ingram

[90sgoat]

If I was Lithuania, I would let US get back and win this. Let US play Serbia. They showed what they could do.

[Manny98]

USA getting worked psychically

Need Bridges and Cam out there to close it out

[BurningHammer]

Canada gets really lucky that Brasil, DR and PR are all out of the tournament. This will affect the Olympic qualifications in FIBA Americas group.

[PAOK]

18 orebs for Lithuania

[Manny98]

God this lineup is awful, need Kessler out there for some size and rim protection

[90sgoat]

USA getting worked psychically

To be fair, this Lithuania team is strong and athletic on all starter positions.

It's rare to see a euro team this physical.

[Manny98]

Portis is awful :facepalm

[BurningHammer]

Spain lead by 10 at the half.
Rough 2nd for Canada. SGA got zoned hard.

[BurningHammer]

Bridges with a clutch 3 with 45 seconds left. It's too late though. Congrats, Lithuania! :rockon: :applause:

[90sgoat]

Crazy that Lithuania is a country of 3 million people.

Everyone there plays basketball though.

[90sgoat]

Congrats to Lithuania, well deserved.

US are too small, FIBA is not the NBA.

Great game, very entertaining.

Antman brought it, but not enough.

[Xiao Yao You]

Is the US selling the game to face Italy instead of Serbia?

better match-up for sure

[Xiao Yao You]

The US literally do not have a single world class big outside of Anthony Davis.

30 years of AAU "big wings" in effect.

Bam and Jaren :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

USA getting worked psychically

Need Bridges and Cam out there to close it out

Cam certainly one of their weakest players. He won't be on the team next year

[Manny98]

Cam certainly one of their weakest players. He won't be on the team next year
Kerr hasn't utilized him properly this tournament

[Xiao Yao You]

Kerr hasn't utilized him properly this tournament

Kerr will be the coach next year as well. Goodbye Cam!

[90sgoat]

Bam and Jaren :facepalm

Both are too small.

They're glorified power forwards.

[Xiao Yao You]

Both are too small.

They're glorified power forwards.

since when are PF's not bigs? They are both willing to play the 5 unlike your ***** Davis

[90sgoat]

since when are PF's not bigs? They are both willing to play the 5 unlike your ***** Davis

If faced with real centers like Valanciunas or Papagiannis, they're too small.

[r0drig0lac]

Canada gets really lucky that Brasil, DR and PR are all out of the tournament. This will affect the Olympic qualifications in FIBA Americas group.

nah, Brazil has the tiebreaker.

[TJ44]

Lithuania with 20+ point lead in the first half.
And they beat Spain too a few days ago.
They are heading to the world championship title

[Xiao Yao You]

Lithuania with 20+ point lead in the first half.
And they beat Spain too a few days ago.
They are heading to the world championship title

long ways to go. USA out played them in the 2nd half. Great adjustments from Kerr

[BurningHammer]

Gosh, RJ is a bum :banghead:

[90sgoat]

Lithuania with 20+ point lead in the first half.
And they beat Spain too a few days ago.
They are heading to the world championship title

They easily have the best center in the tournament now. That is a big plus. Valanciunas is not played enough in the NBA, but he is a very seasoned vet with great touch and very strong. His only weakness is his lack of vertical movement and that can't be exploited as easily in FBA.

They also have from 1-10 players who shoot the 3 ball and they have a decent backup big man in Montejounas.

[BurningHammer]

BROOKS!! :lebronamazed:

[BurningHammer]

AND BROOKS WITH A DEFENSIVE PLAY WITH 4 FOULS!! :lebronamazed:

[BurningHammer]

Amazing defense from Team Canada in the 4th!

[BurningHammer]

CANADA WINS!! :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[BurningHammer]

Canada is now qualified for Paris Olympics! This is the real reward for this huge victory! :rockon:

[BurningHammer]

So many win-or-go-home games, we kinda forget that Germany just beat Luka's Slovenia for the top seed of their group.

[BurningHammer]

Quarter-Finals:

Italy vs USA

Germany vs Latvia

Lithuania vs Serbia

Slovenia vs Canada

[90sgoat]

Quarter Finals gonna be a banger.

Luka vs Shai will be big.

[1987_Lakers]

https://worldstar.com/videos/wshhaDu1iHMLC3K19YXX/sit-your-a-down-dennis-schroder-got-into-it-with-germany-coach-after-he-put-his-hands-on-him

[Manny98]

Quarter-Finals:

Italy vs USA

Germany vs Latvia

Lithuania vs Serbia

Slovenia vs Canada
Where's France?

[BurningHammer]

Where's France?

:roll:

[r0drig0lac]

Where's France?

https://media.tenor.com/vpelRsV0vmwAAAAC/antonio-banderas-dissatisfied.gif

[Lebron23]

https://scontent.fmnl4-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/373005358_275351205300337_2044510852540277687_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=49d041&_nc_ohc=baFiUaMzPWIAX_0OTN6&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl4-4.fna&_nc_e2o=c&oh=00_AfArBVg14bIVCJAtsb1Eix6YhIZTtzLDm8mmhCulTtp2 JA&oe=64FA48FC

[FultzNationRISE]

Where's France?


https://memeguy.com/photos/thumbs/mrw-after-seeing-the-recent-oral-sex-tragedy-on-rwtf-23806.gif

[WhiteKyrie]

Another USA team in the hall of shame with 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2019

[BurningHammer]

https://scontent.fmnl4-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/373005358_275351205300337_2044510852540277687_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=49d041&_nc_ohc=baFiUaMzPWIAX_0OTN6&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl4-4.fna&_nc_e2o=c&oh=00_AfArBVg14bIVCJAtsb1Eix6YhIZTtzLDm8mmhCulTtp2 JA&oe=64FA48FC

Congrats to your boys too. Big win over China. :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Another USA team in the hall of shame with 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2019

they're a lot a better than 2019 and can still win it

[Lebron23]

Congrats to your boys too. Big win over China. :cheers:

Thanks bro. even though it is a no bearing game

[90sgoat]

Another USA team in the hall of shame with 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2019

This is the most likeable US team in a long while.

Brunson, Ant, Reeves are a solid trio of young players.

When Ant got that runaway dunk and slammed it, I got that feeling from the 90s, real emotion, because of the struggle and the difficulty in getting dunks.

Overall this FIBA World Cup is very entertaining. I hope the NBA takes notes, because this is the kind of basketball people want to watch.

[WhiteKyrie]

This is the most likeable US team in a long while.

Brunson, Ant, Reeves are a solid trio of young players.

When Ant got that runaway dunk and slammed it, I got that feeling from the 90s, real emotion, because of the struggle and the difficulty in getting dunks.

Overall this FIBA World Cup is very entertaining. I hope the NBA takes notes, because this is the kind of basketball people want to watch.
Bro what? You’re talking nonsensical. Likability to me is equated to playing winning basketball. Nothing more, and nothing less. I’m an American, you’re not. Losing to a club like modern Lithuania is not likable.

[Xiao Yao You]

Bro what? You’re talking nonsensical. Likability to me is equated to playing winning basketball. Nothing more, and nothing less. I’m an American, you’re not. Losing to a club like modern Lithuania is not likable.

Lithuania is always one of the best teams. They almost pulled it out. Unlikely that they will hit 3's like that every game. Be hard to beat USA twice. Italy is the better match-up anyway

[90sgoat]

Bro what? You’re talking nonsensical. Likability to me is equated to playing winning basketball. Nothing more, and nothing less. I’m an American, you’re not. Losing to a club like modern Lithuania is not likable.

Fair enough.

I don't really want to see spoiled and egomaniac american players.

I can't relate to them and I also prefer that the US isn't unbeatable, because where's the fun in that?

[BurningHammer]

Lithuania is just bigger and organized enough to deal with Team USA's offense. The best bigs USA has are JJJ and Banchero and they aren't even an actual big in NBA.

Latvia is about the same kind of team but with lesser talents/big names. With Kristaps, they would do even better.

[90sgoat]

Kerr should play Banchero more imo.

He's athletic and get offensive rebounds.

[BurningHammer]

Thanks bro. even though it is a no bearing game
It does. Philippines is qualified for Olympic qualifying tournament thanks to the win.

[warriorfan]

It does. Philippines is qualified for Olympic qualifying tournament thanks to the win.

this dude is fat and canadian

[PAOK]

Serbia dominating Lithuania. Their defense has been phenomenal

[BurningHammer]

https://streamable.com/9akl2o

Luol Deng celebrating with his boys as South Sudan is booking for Paris Olympics. :rockon:

[BurningHammer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP_mxlUn9SU

Poor dude.

[90sgoat]

Manila is not a good place to need medical attention - or the Philippines in general. Rather embarassing for FIBA and the Phillipines.

[Xiao Yao You]

Serbia dominating Lithuania. Their defense has been phenomenal

as I said the USA is better off playing Italy

[BurningHammer]

Back to the same shit, JJJ with another quick 2 fouls in the 1st. :facepalm

[BurningHammer]

Good rebounding game so far for Team USA.

[Hey Yo]

The U.S laying the smack down on Italy.


Reaves outta nowhere with the 2 hand put back slam

[Axe]

this dude is fat and canadian
Meltdown.

[Manny98]

Bridges carrying :applause:

[90sgoat]

Italy was just too slow and too weak to compete.

[PAOK]

Schroeder almost choked the semifinal against Latvia

[90sgoat]

Canada vs Slovenia is on now.

Imo, Shai crosses FIBA carry and travel rules a lot and shouldn't be allowed.

[PAOK]

Slovenia living at the 3pt line (9/13), but cant break away. Will be interesting to see if this shooting will be sustainable

[90sgoat]

If US stars had been dribbling like Shai, and Luka to a lesser degree, the refs would have called more carries and travel.

[PAOK]

lol at Brooks trying to man mark Luka without any help

[ArbitraryWater]

Good game, hopefully Slovenia pus it out

[90sgoat]

Objectively speaking, Slovenia just isn't a good team outside of Luka. They have Zoran Dragic and Mike Tobey and that's it. The rest of the players are not up to level.

[90sgoat]

Canada has had very beneficial reffing.

[Xiao Yao You]

Germany will be tough. They should be able to take them

[90sgoat]

Honestly, Canada is the true NBA team.

Foul baiting, carrying, travelling, getting ref help.

[90sgoat]

Not to forget, showboating.

[90sgoat]

Lol Canada got warned for flopping.

NBA basketball is disgusting.

[PAOK]

why warn them? just give the tech

[90sgoat]

why warn them? just give the tech

Refs are strangely supportive of Canada this tournament.

[90sgoat]

Absolutely ridiculous reffing in this game.

I'm shutting down.

[Manny98]

Canada pulling away :(

[1987_Lakers]

Schroder shot 4-26, but Germany still won? LOL.

[Manny98]

Of course Brooks gets himself ejected :roll:

[Manny98]

Wow these refs are on timing :oldlol:

[theman93]

Franz Wagner is so good :pimp: