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zalias2
Guest
serbia's offense has been even better than lithuania's so far and they commit a very few turnovers per game, however surprisingly they are not a good rebounding team (21th) while lithuania is first. so i tihnk the win conditions are very obvious for this game: domiante the glass and keep shooting well from 3. i also have no doubt in my mind lithuania's coaching staff will prepare a much better game plan than pesic.-
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Shawshank2
Guest
1/4 is specific game and by far most difficult from mental standpoint.
What teams did before 1/4 becomes irrelevant everybody comes to those 40minutes tournament is average or very good and that puts big pressure in players heads
Shots starting not going in like in group and so on.
I also believe rebouding will be very important factor when for both teams rim will become smaller than in group games
Serbia by no metrics have worse roster and isnt being known to be scared losers in big moments.
Bogdanovich and his 8-9meters shots is very scary player in those moments
I have bad feeling about upcoming game but hopefully our fantastic 2023 NT will make one more suprise and once again show us fantastic people chemistry together can overcome alot
What teams did before 1/4 becomes irrelevant everybody comes to those 40minutes tournament is average or very good and that puts big pressure in players heads
Shots starting not going in like in group and so on.
I also believe rebouding will be very important factor when for both teams rim will become smaller than in group games
Serbia by no metrics have worse roster and isnt being known to be scared losers in big moments.
Bogdanovich and his 8-9meters shots is very scary player in those moments
I have bad feeling about upcoming game but hopefully our fantastic 2023 NT will make one more suprise and once again show us fantastic people chemistry together can overcome alot
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fasoulaki2
Guest
Congratulation again for this very deserved win against the "US and A" (as Borat used to say).
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Straight forward2
Guest
That's very interesting fact. We scored more than that ridiculously stacked 2004 Lithuanian national team. Lithuania in those Olympics was by far the best offensive team dropping 93,8 points and the second was USA with only 88,1ppg and third Spain with 84. For these times LTU NT was monstrous team offensively. Now we can see that we have 8 teams in WC that scoring at least 90ppg. And that's not only because of opponents. Last Eurobasket was also highest scoring tournament ever and some teams took historically most shot attempts per game. So basketball moving towards increasing the pace and taking more shots. The fact that LTU is scoring 96.4ppg is pretty mind blowing and Serbia, USA scores 100ppg.
SS, now you're shitting your pans too much. Serbia is till treated a slight favorite and actually they are known to be bigger chokers than Lithuanians. They choked 2 times in recent tournaments against inferior teams (and already choked against Italy in this tournament which may be good for them, but it also show their usual vulnerability). That doesn't mean they will choke this time and I believe they play with lesser pressure with so many absences which might help them mentally, but so are we and that's the equal start from this point of view.
Bogdanovic might be scarier than Edwards cause he's better decision maker and makes others better, but Edwards just dropped 35pts and we survived so I'm not afraid of any individuals left, maybe aside Doncic and SGA. What makes me positive is that Lithuania never panic in this tournament. When Greeks had their lead we were getting back, patiently. When Americans had their huge spurts we bounced back and played our BB again. This team showed resilience.
Another thing. Serbia had worse opponents so far. PUR, ITA, SSD < MNT, GRE, USA
Roster wise I think it's more or less 50/50. Lithuania has better combination of centers, specially if JV plays his A game which he seems to be getting his shot together, and we have the best PG on the court. Jovic can dish the ball, but he's not on the level of Jokubaitis overall. Serbia jas an advantage at SG position with Bogdanovic, Guduric, Marinkovic Avramovic (wing position let's say). But our players there with Iggy, Kuzminskas, Dimsa (hope the latter will play just as against USA, he's getting there) also very effective there. In my opinion the key of the game again might be Sedekerskis. When Serbia lost Lucic and Kalinic, they don't have such type of player as Sedekerskis. We need another big game from him grabbing big rebounds, being physical and athletic under the boards in transition. Serbia here might have a huge boost offensively at 4 from Nikola Jovic and Pertusev, but Jovic has been cold in 2 recent games which shows that he's still inconsistent. It can go wither way. In my opinion we should first of all win physical battle, JV and Sedekerskis should set a tone and I hope that old Stefan Jovic won't be able to contain Jokubaitis. We badly need Jokubaitis operating at 100% in this game which makes our offense transendant and hardly containable. If Jokubaitis is not aggressive, our offense becoming a bit slower and more limited. USA was able to partially shut down Rokas, I doubt Serbia will.
Both teams are very similar in one aspect. Plenty of guys can score and contribute. Plenty. That's how both teams are top scoring teams in the tournament. Would I take Latvia, Italy and Slovenia instead of Serbia? Yes. But I wouldn't take USA, Canada, Germany.
In my opinion it's 50/50 game. If you want to win something, you have to take down some big teams. That's how it always worked. Now you're crying too much and want the easiest road all the time. In top 8 there's no easy games. Even Latvia and Italy are very capable to beat anyone in one particular game. They already proved that. And Lithuania is definitely better than those teams.
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Shawshank2
Guest
I agree that is 50/50 game and team have to beat somebody to win anything yes everything correct
What gives me bad feeling we already had that win in wrong moment like in 2004
All media is praising our NT like world beaters already and this is wrong place we are putting our NT players and their heads before most important game
After seeing all that media stuff
My prediction lithuanians will have by far worst shooting game under 30% from long range in 1/4
What gives me bad feeling we already had that win in wrong moment like in 2004
All media is praising our NT like world beaters already and this is wrong place we are putting our NT players and their heads before most important game
After seeing all that media stuff
My prediction lithuanians will have by far worst shooting game under 30% from long range in 1/4
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Straight forward2
Guest
Yeah, that's a risk. Previously beating USA didn't work well for us going further. But it can also be 2010 scenario. We grabbed big wins against Canada and Spain in the group stage, but we just kept winning. We beat France, we beat China and then big win against Argentina and eventually Serbia in small final. That kind of wins have 2 sided effect. It can spoil, but it can also raise your confidence to another level. Hopefully after this game our team is even more resilient.
Most importantly, we can say that the tournament is already positive truly. After Greece game I didn't feel that. Greece was inferior. Now we took down stronger or at the very least equal team and came back to being top 8 in the world. In my opinion being among top 8 is a new top 4. When in 90's and 00's we had 6-7 top teams, now in FIBA there's like 12-13 deadly teams which either can grab a medal. If we lose against Serbia after a good fight, I won't say a bad word about this team. We already made a leap, a leap of quality and that alone is satisfactory. But for full satisfaction we should get to semis, that's another level. and hopefully win a medal. That's the ultimate level.
Most importantly, we can say that the tournament is already positive truly. After Greece game I didn't feel that. Greece was inferior. Now we took down stronger or at the very least equal team and came back to being top 8 in the world. In my opinion being among top 8 is a new top 4. When in 90's and 00's we had 6-7 top teams, now in FIBA there's like 12-13 deadly teams which either can grab a medal. If we lose against Serbia after a good fight, I won't say a bad word about this team. We already made a leap, a leap of quality and that alone is satisfactory. But for full satisfaction we should get to semis, that's another level. and hopefully win a medal. That's the ultimate level.
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zalias2
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they already overachieved this tournament, but it also makes me very excited about the future. if they continue playing this style of basketball in future tournaments it will only get better with players like sabonis, giedraitis, grigonis
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auris12
Guest
I am making one off comeback here,
and what a glorious me being back it is.
I am floating and gloating here.
Curryiniauskas delivers.
I guess it settles long time dispute I had with straight forward.
That is it
and what a glorious me being back it is.
I am floating and gloating here.
Curryiniauskas delivers.
I guess it settles long time dispute I had with straight forward.
That is it
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Straight forward2
Guest
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zalias2
Guest
get normantas off the court, he clooks clueless
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Shawshank2
Guest
Unfornately hapening what i was affraid off
Thats win versus Usa was mistake and history is repeating
I really love this underdog 2023 NT,but that was real blunder and now only miracle can save us
Serbs is feeling blood when by miracle they dont need to play Usa in 1/4
Thats win versus Usa was mistake and history is repeating
I really love this underdog 2023 NT,but that was real blunder and now only miracle can save us
Serbs is feeling blood when by miracle they dont need to play Usa in 1/4
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Straight forward2
Guest
I didn't expect that Serbia will look that good and that we will be that gassed and unprepared for 4finals. That game against USA took too much emotionally it seems. But Serbia's defense was top notch.
One thing is to lose after good fight, other not to stand a chance and to be swept. After this, IMO, Maksvytis position should be questioned. We know what chaos came after Adomaitis decline in similar situation so probably Makvytis should stay, but however you watch Maksvytis wasn't able to prepare NT for the knock out stage, both 22 and 23. This is not justifiable loss and Maksvytis may just announce the retirement. It wouldn't be surprise (after the tournament).
IMO, Maksvytis still made a mistake not including one from Marciulionis/Giedraitis to the roster and letting Tubelis go. We seen against Serbia how important to have physical and agile defenders. IMO, both Marciulionis/Giedraitis > Dimsa/Normantas in perimiter defense. While Maldunas basically didn't play any role in the tournament and we seen that we stand no chance against disciplined, strong teams with two turtle slow centers. When it comes to roster's selection, lack of perimeter D/toughness and specially the lack of something mobile at 5 was big problem. At the end it basically was crucial cause JV and D-Mo was totally disgraced at D tonight. Maksvytis also didn't experiment with Sedekerskis enough after the game against Montenegro. He had to put Sedekerskis at 5 against Petrusev. With all respect JV should be history already. I'm OK with him playing 10-12mpg in 2024, but that's the only logical solution. Sabonis and Tubelis presence is a must.
On the positive note, Jokubaitis is emerging. He wasn't yet able to consistently lead NT big time, but he's getting there and for him it was still very positive tournament. Brazdeikis and Sedekerskis are good long term pieces. Brazdeikis improved decision making and shot selection. While Tadas showed that he's very valuable athletic dirty worker.
One thing is to lose after good fight, other not to stand a chance and to be swept. After this, IMO, Maksvytis position should be questioned. We know what chaos came after Adomaitis decline in similar situation so probably Makvytis should stay, but however you watch Maksvytis wasn't able to prepare NT for the knock out stage, both 22 and 23. This is not justifiable loss and Maksvytis may just announce the retirement. It wouldn't be surprise (after the tournament).
IMO, Maksvytis still made a mistake not including one from Marciulionis/Giedraitis to the roster and letting Tubelis go. We seen against Serbia how important to have physical and agile defenders. IMO, both Marciulionis/Giedraitis > Dimsa/Normantas in perimiter defense. While Maldunas basically didn't play any role in the tournament and we seen that we stand no chance against disciplined, strong teams with two turtle slow centers. When it comes to roster's selection, lack of perimeter D/toughness and specially the lack of something mobile at 5 was big problem. At the end it basically was crucial cause JV and D-Mo was totally disgraced at D tonight. Maksvytis also didn't experiment with Sedekerskis enough after the game against Montenegro. He had to put Sedekerskis at 5 against Petrusev. With all respect JV should be history already. I'm OK with him playing 10-12mpg in 2024, but that's the only logical solution. Sabonis and Tubelis presence is a must.
On the positive note, Jokubaitis is emerging. He wasn't yet able to consistently lead NT big time, but he's getting there and for him it was still very positive tournament. Brazdeikis and Sedekerskis are good long term pieces. Brazdeikis improved decision making and shot selection. While Tadas showed that he's very valuable athletic dirty worker.
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Shawshank2
Guest
Lithuanians in 1/4 shooting 3pointers 9 from 28
I know Lithuanian mentally well.
It was worst thing for this average roster players from underdog team becoming favourites in people eyes after Usa game
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zalias2
Guest
its hard, but you can still win games shooting 30% from 3 if you play defense. lithuania hasnt been a good defensive tream since 2015, in fact they have been horrible. you cant allow teams to consistently score 90-100 points every game when you dont have an offensive juggernaut like luka to match that. hopefully lithuania's coaching staff puts an emphasis on that in the future and maybe selects a few defensive minded players to the national team, but of course they didnt have much of a choice this year.
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Dreamcatcher2
Guest
That's why we couldn't fully enjoy win against USA. It most likely meant that we had given ticket to Olympics and two chances for a medal to Serbia instead of having it ourselves and it exactly happened. There is nothing wrong to be pragmatic over emotional.
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Straight forward2
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Once I heard that Maksvytis going with JV and D-Mo as main centers, I knew we will be in trouble one way or another. It's literally impossible with these 2 to seriously fight for the medals. USA didn't even try to utilize our weak spot. Once we met European talented powerhouse with normal scouting (great scouting, let's face it), we were in trouble. Serbia just made a joke of our p'n'r defense. So that was expected.
But to me the most disappointing thing was how Normantas (specially) and even Dimsa didn't stand a chance tonight against Serbian guards. These two were taken for defensive reasons. They had to boost our perimeter D, but they were so far away from that. They looked slow and incapable. They were washed and schooled. I understand Kariniauskas was taken with idea what he will facilitate, and he provided some of that, but Normantas and Dimsa really didn't bring what was expected defensively.
So when you have both inside and outside D as disappointment, you stand no chance.
Another thing. Jokubaitis will still get stronger in 2-3 years getting closer to his prime, but with contemporary BB your main PG can't play 26-28mpg. More like 23-24mpg. The game is so intense. And you need to have a real deal back-up. Not some kind of average Karinaiuskas, Zemaitis or whatever, but a player who can legitimately contribute. Serbia tonight had that broad guard rotation enough, we didn't. Lekavicius can give as another solid 24 campaign hopefully, I think he even might be better than in 22, but that's probably his last tournament. Solid back-up is a must. Be it Marciulionis or Jakucionis, or any other potential stud, but that's a must cause times when Kalnietis could play 34mpg is over. The pace and intensity is different.
But to me the most disappointing thing was how Normantas (specially) and even Dimsa didn't stand a chance tonight against Serbian guards. These two were taken for defensive reasons. They had to boost our perimeter D, but they were so far away from that. They looked slow and incapable. They were washed and schooled. I understand Kariniauskas was taken with idea what he will facilitate, and he provided some of that, but Normantas and Dimsa really didn't bring what was expected defensively.
So when you have both inside and outside D as disappointment, you stand no chance.
Another thing. Jokubaitis will still get stronger in 2-3 years getting closer to his prime, but with contemporary BB your main PG can't play 26-28mpg. More like 23-24mpg. The game is so intense. And you need to have a real deal back-up. Not some kind of average Karinaiuskas, Zemaitis or whatever, but a player who can legitimately contribute. Serbia tonight had that broad guard rotation enough, we didn't. Lekavicius can give as another solid 24 campaign hopefully, I think he even might be better than in 22, but that's probably his last tournament. Solid back-up is a must. Be it Marciulionis or Jakucionis, or any other potential stud, but that's a must cause times when Kalnietis could play 34mpg is over. The pace and intensity is different.
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Shawshank2
Guest
Today we saw current level of Jokubaitis and Brazdeikis when they faced real world class prepared defence
They still not ready lead NT to playoofs wins facing top 5 NTs. Both struggled beating good serbian defenders.
In such 1/4 playoofs matchups backups wont help,its main guards job to deliver in these games like Bogdanovich did for Serbia
Looking at Italy play now lithuanians looking like fools more and more
They still not ready lead NT to playoofs wins facing top 5 NTs. Both struggled beating good serbian defenders.
In such 1/4 playoofs matchups backups wont help,its main guards job to deliver in these games like Bogdanovich did for Serbia
Looking at Italy play now lithuanians looking like fools more and more
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Straight forward2
Guest
Generally yes. But Jokubaitis was still pretty good with 13pts, 9as, 15eff. Iggy really disappointed though. Bad game for him. Too many guys didn't deliver tonight. Offensively you can't control that, as Jasikevicius says. But defensively you can hustle on a daily basis. Sedekerskis showed it. That's where I'm most disappointed with Normantas, Dimsa, our bigs off course...I understand you are a bit washed and so on after USA game, but you can still freakin' hustle and leave the heart on the court. We didn't see that tonight. The team was sleepy and washed from start to the end. That's why I treat this loss unjustifiable. You can lose, but not like that. It kinda discredited otherwise good performance by Maksvytis in this WC.
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Shawshank2
Guest
Jokubaitis scores half point in trash minutes and was loosing or close to lose multiple balls to pesky serbians defenders in real minutes.
Never felt Rokas was controling team it was very chaotic
Rokas made steps forward compare to 2022,but still need more time to be real floor general , when entire nation and his teammates would feel safe when ball in his hands.
Brazdeikis tried to bully huge serbians bodies with tunel vision and end up usually collidaing with 2 serbians inside and end up with bad shots
Grigonis was missed badly today offensively
I felt team gave so much emotionally and physically to hold off american attack in 3-4querters and 36 hours was not enough to recover firstly emotionally from such beautiful and stupid win
Never felt Rokas was controling team it was very chaotic
Rokas made steps forward compare to 2022,but still need more time to be real floor general , when entire nation and his teammates would feel safe when ball in his hands.
Brazdeikis tried to bully huge serbians bodies with tunel vision and end up usually collidaing with 2 serbians inside and end up with bad shots
Grigonis was missed badly today offensively
I felt team gave so much emotionally and physically to hold off american attack in 3-4querters and 36 hours was not enough to recover firstly emotionally from such beautiful and stupid win
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