In 2002, Indianapolis, USA, hosted its first-ever FIBA World Cup. The most dominant team in the world was set to compete in the most prestigious international event after the Olympics. Despite the convenience of local travel, stars like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, and others chose not to partake. However, it didn’t deter Coach George Karl from assembling a decent lineup with the firepower of Paul Pierce, Reggie Miller, and Andre Miller.

Despite that, coach Karl managed to pull in decent firepower with stars like Paul Pierce, Reggie Miller, and Andre Miller. Things seemed dim for the dream team’s successors since the start.

Furthermore, attendance for the American team didn’t do them justice either. Organizers had to cut ticket prices for the event due to dismal attendance from the host country. Adding to the pressure was the squad’s responsibility to sustain the 50+ international winning streak. With their best players in a young Pierce and 37-year-old Reggie Miller, the roster was way behind America’s best.

How USA’s crumbling 2002 FIBA exit began?

The USA started in Group C with Germany, China, and Algeria. Even though they notched an easy win versus Algeria, their subsequent two battles were hard fought. Somehow, they managed to cruise past the eventual MVP Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming. Improving the nation’s streak to 58, they faced a hiccup with Argentina. 

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Even though the USA managed to propel out of group stages, there was something disdain about their demeanor. Their casual approach constantly allowed for backdoor cuts and open lanes. Considering their opponent unworthy, the roster frequently missed integral rotation opportunities. Argentina, led by NBA star Manu Ginobili, knew their weakness. They became the first team to hand the NBA star-studded USA team their first international loss since 1992. The crowd and the team soared like they won the tournament, hinting at the intensity of the feat. Argentina’s squad came from practicing and developing around each other. On the other side, USA’s squad happened because the primary players chose to sit out of the competition.

Kevin Garnett, Kobe, Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal declined to partake in the cup. USA’s next-best offensive choices, Jason Kidd and Ray Allen declined due to injuries. With a loose staring offense, their best frontcourt had Jermaine O’Neal and Ben Wallace. 

“The only weak point they have is they don’t know each other,” Ginobili said after the game. “They didn’t know whether to exchange, to switch or not. I think they were confused. We know each other,” Manu candidly deciphered the game.

Teamwork defeated star power. However, the USA could still make a run for the medal.

The USA ends up on the other side of the history

After the historic defeat, USA’s FIBA squad had more than ever to prove. Their final battle of the tournament came against Yugoslavia. With Pierce leading scoring at 19, his most points came through free throws. Not only did he shoot a horrid 2 of 7 from three, but he also succumbed to foul trouble. This led Ben Wallace with the responsibility to score at the post, something he did not excel at. The team’s dismal shooting from the free-throw line made things even tougher if the situation was not bad already. 

With the game already favoring Yugoslavia, Andre hit a bail-out three before dishing out a dime to Miller on a cut. While the USA somehow managed to stay in the game, their fate came down to the last possession. The USA, trailing 81-78, had a three-ball to execute in nearly 5 seconds. Andre passed Reggie on the right wing, with the offense overloading on the strong side. However, his sore foot didn’t help the already confused USA squad. Reggie then passed it again to Andre, their best offensive option in the game.

Yugoslavia made history as they eliminated the best team in the world. After nearly 10 undefeated years, the USA lost back-to-back games on consecutive days.

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