Austin Reaves on Team USA's wake up call: 'If it's not now, it never will be' / News - Basketnews.com

Austin Reaves hopes the loss against Lithuania will wake up the Team USA before the World Cup quarterfinals against Italy.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Austin Reaves, one of the top Team USA scorers, reacted to the first FIBA World Cup 2023 loss to Lithuania, 104-110.

Player of the Game EFF 16 Vaidas Kariniauskas Points 15 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 4 Assists 2

"They started off 9 of 9 from three. When the team shoots like that, it's going to be hard to sustain and reduce the lead like that. Tip your hat, they played a really good game," Reaves recalled when asked by BasketNews about the first-half shocker.

Lithuania dominated the first quarter, outscoring their opponents 31-12, and maintained a strong lead at halftime, 54-37.

The Lithuanian team's remarkable performance was fueled by their flawless shooting accuracy, as they began the game by making nine consecutive 3-pointers. They finished with 14 of 25.

Seven players scored in double-digits, with backup point guard Vaidas Kariniauskas emerging as Lithuania's top scorer, contributing 15 points.

Kariniauskas posed significant challenges for Reaves and the USA, especially in the low post, where he capitalized on mismatch situations and converted crucial "and-one" plays.

"Really good basketball player," Reaves commented on Lithuania's No. 31.

Team USA's second-highest scorer scored 7 points before fouling out in under 13 minutes of play.

"Tip your hat every one of them. We knew what we were getting into. It's not like we came out and underestimated them. They're a good team, and they proved it tonight," Reaves praised Lithuania. "They just came out and played better than us."

Team USA experienced their first World Cup loss right before reaching the quarterfinals. Next, they will be taking on Italy on Tuesday.

"We can't come out and have the first half like that," Reaves spoke about lessons they brought from the game vs. Lithuania.

"We were down by 17 at the halftime. It's hard to climb back from a deficit like that. When you do that, it's hard," he added. "But tip the hat off, they shot the ball from three really well. Offensively, they were really well. Congrats to them."

For many, Montenegro was seen as Team USA's actual first test. Is it reasonable to characterize this loss to Lithuania as a wake-up call?

"If it's not now, it never will be. It's win or go home now," Reaves concluded.

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