Magic Johnson, NBA media react to end of Team USA's gold medal run in FIBA World Cup
It's always a shock to people when Team USA gets knocked out of contention for the gold in a men's basketball world tournament.
Social media is the peanut gallery looking for answers and decrying the loss when it happens because its roster is fully loaded by NBA players, including several All-Stars.
The FIBA World Cup men's tournament second-ranked Team USA was defeated by Germany, 113-111, in the semifinals in the Philippines on Friday.
That was the Americans' second loss since falling to Lithuania 110-104 in the second round last weekend. They will play for the bronze medal against Canada, which has seven NBA players, on Sunday.
In addition, this is Team USA's second consecutive elimination from playing for the gold in the event since four years ago.
The bright side is that Team USA qualified for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. But Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, NBA fans, local and national media members don't want to hear that.
Here's what they had to say about it on X, formerly Twitter.
Just watched the USA Men’s basketball team play Germany in the FIBA World Cup and I was very disappointed we loss 111-113. Now instead of playing for Gold we will be playing for Bronze.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 8, 2023
Yes, the U.S. team is small. And Germany is good and has played well throughout the tournament. But, my Lord, the U.S. perimeter D is awful today.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) September 8, 2023
As a child of the 92 Dream Team, its incredibly embarrassing any time Team USA loses in any international competition. I don't care who is or isn't on the team, its pathetic to lose.
— Jody Oehler (@radiojody) September 8, 2023
Wouldn’t you love it if post play returned to basketball?
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) September 8, 2023
Whose stock dropped the most from Team USA? JJJ or Ingram, probably, with JJJ edging him out because of the DPOY award?
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) September 8, 2023
Not playing Walker Kessler was a massive mistake by Team USA. Kessler is an elite rim protector and rebounder, and we saw all season in Memphis how Jaren Jackson was way better at the 4 next to Steven Adams. Things would’ve slotted better into place with this lineup.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) September 8, 2023
113 points by Germany in 40 minutes against USA. 113. No, Dirk didn’t play.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 8, 2023
USA 111, Germany 113
Reaves 🚀
Edwards ⭐️
Brunson 😬
Rebounding 👻
Ingram 🤢
USA’s starting unit was a problem from day 1 and that trend continued here. Put them in a hole at the beginning of the first and 3rd; this time it burned them— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) September 8, 2023
— russ bengtson (@russbengtson) September 8, 2023
Discourse is going to drown out what a phenomenal performance that was by Germany. Attacked Team USA’s flaws all game and executed just about perfectly.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 8, 2023
When USA doesn't bring their best players they're 50/50 at best to win these tournaments. It shouldn't be a surprise at this point when they lose.
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) September 8, 2023
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Magic Johnson, NBA media react to USA's FIBA World Cup semifinal loss
