USA's Kerr says loss to Germany proves basketball 'has been globalized'

All eyes — and odds — were on Team USA ahead of its semifinals clash against Germany in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Friday.

After all, the squad cruised to a 4-1 slate in the group phase before ripping Italy in the quarterfinals, 100-63, with NBA stars bannering the team.

The Germans, however, spoiled what was supposed to be a title redemption bid for the Americans, pulling off a stunning 113-111 victory in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.

For USA head coach Steve Kerr, this proved that basketball goes beyond them.

"It just means the game has been globalized over the last 30 years or so and you know, these games are difficult. This is not 1992 anymore," Kerr said on the heels of the loss that sent them to the battle for third against Canada.

"So, players are better all over the world, teams are better and it’s not easy to win a World Cup or the Olympic games."

In the four recent editions of the World Cup, USA had been the favorite to win the title — which they did twice.

In 2010, the squad made up of Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, and Steph Curry dominated host Turkey to reign supreme in the World Cup. The following edition, USA again emerged on top behind Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, James Harden, and DeMar Derozan as they made it back-to-back crowns.

But in 2019, the Americans finished just seventh overall as Spain ruled while Argentina and France settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

"Congrats to Germany, they were fantastic, they deserved the win," Kerr added.

"I’m really proud of our guys, they were courageous throughout the game and fought and gave themselves a chance down the stretch and we just couldn’t quite get there."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News