Team USA falls but Anthony Edwards born to play hero

If you wanted to celebrate the victory of Team USA today, you likely have very little to cheer about. Despite a late-game rally, led by Minnesota Timberwolves star shooting guard Anthony Edwards, Team USA fell to Team Germany today in the semifinals.  In the end, Edwards led Team USA in scoring with 23 points. And he played smothering defense.

So how did Anthony Edwards do?  He showcased another clinic of both offense and defense and started several rallies to get Team USA back into this one. His stats were quite impressive as well:

Player                               Pts    Rebs  FG%   3P%      Asts   Stls  Blks
Anthony Edwards          23        8      59%    25%         3         1      1

Not only did Edwards lead Team USA in points scored, but he led everyone in rebounds. That’s pretty impressive stuff.

But as is often the case, one player is never enough to win when facing a team that gets contributions from so many players. Six players for Team Germany scored in double digits to only four players scored in double digits for Team USA.

Team USA was the more accurate shooting team. But Team Germany simply outmuscled Team USA, sinking more shots because the Germans took more shots. In the end, it’s how many points go on the scoreboard, and on this day, Team Germany did so.

Team USA bigs played a small role

So what was the difference in this one? Surprisingly, it was the play of Team Germany’s bigs. They simply dominated the game, and the bigs for Team USA were a non-factor.  The good news for Minnesota Timberwolves fans is one more data point that proves multiple centers can change the outcome of a basketball game.

Just check out these statistics:

TEAM GERMANY

Player                               Pts    Rebs  FG%   3P%      Asts   Stls  Blks
Daniel Theis                    21          7     67%   50%        2           0     1
Johannes Voightman      6          7     75%      0%        5           0     0
Moritz Wagner               10          0     60%    50%       2           0     0
Johannes Thiemann      10          5   100%      0%       1           0     0
Totals                                 47       19    71%     50%    10           0      1

TEAM USA

Player                               Pts    Rebs  FG%   3P%      Asts   Stls  Blks
Jaren Jackson Jr.                8         3     50%      0%         0          1      0
Bobby Portis Jr.                 5         2   100%  100%        0          1      0
Paolo Banchero                6         2      25%      0%         3          0     1
Walker Kessler                  Did not play
Totals                                 19        7     50%    100%       3          2      1

It’s clear where the problem was in this one.  Team USA never got any traction from the center or power forward position, creating a deficit that Anthony Edwards and Team USA’s backcourt simply could not overcome. So what was the final score?

Team Germany   113
Team USA            111

Team Germany will now advance to the 2023 FIBA World Cup Finals, where they will face Team Serbia on Sunday, September 10, 2023, for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Team USA will now fall to the consolation round, and will face Team Canada on Sunday, September 10, 2023, for third place in this tournament. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves will soon be gathering for training camp.