Basketballstjernerne from the UNITED states had hardly expected that they should join the WORLD cup in China with a fight for the tournament's seventh place finish.
nevertheless, it is a reality, after the americans on Thursday lost 89-94 to Serbia in a placeringsopgør.
the UNITED states is now sure to finish with its worst ranking in a major international tournament, where you have had NBA players on the team. The so far worst location in 45 tournaments was a sixth place at the WORLD cup in 2002.
- We could not have done it differently compared to what we have given, what we have sacrificed, and how much we have gone up in it.
- But for some of us - perhaps all of us - it may be the last time, we have worn a USA jersey ever, say, Harrison Barnes to the NBC.
He is the only player on the team who has experience from the OLYMPICS.
the UNITED states lost for the second match in a row. Photo: JAYNE RUSSELL/Ritzau Scanpix
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the Team is missing the big NBA-profiles LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry and James Harden, but have, nevertheless, a strong crew consisting of the high paying stars from the world's best league.
Therefore, it was a big surprise when the national team on Wednesday was sent out of the medaljekampen by losing to France in the quarter-finals.
the Downturn was even greater with the defeat on Thursday. Something could indicate, that the americans had a hard time pulling themselves up after Wednesday's failure, for the first quarter ended with the crushing 32-7 in Serbian favor.
Second quarter won the UNITED states, however, superior to, and so was Serbia's lead suddenly wasn't so big before the beginning of the second half.
But large enough. A close third quarter was replaced by a close fourth quarter, and so had the americans see the defeat in her eyes for the second day in a row.
In Serbia, it was the Sacramento Kings-player Bogdan Bogdanovic, who stole the picture with 28 points, while Harrison Barnes with 22 points, did his to keep the UNITED states inside the fight.
the Battle for seventh place will be against either Poland or the Czech republic. It takes place on Saturday.
Argentina, France, Spain and Australia are fighting on for the title in Friday's semi-finals.
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