With their win over Poland, Team USA officially finished seventh in this year's FIBA World Cup, their worst placing in any international competition. American fans weren't too happy about how their squad performed in this year's World Cup and lambasted them for their lowly finish.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Stephen Curry Olympics dagger against France
Clippers’ Nic Batum drops eye-opening take on Stephen Curry’s Olympic heroicsAlex House ·
Adam Silver, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton
Adam Silver fires back at NBA ratings discussions from fansTomer Azarly ·
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reaches for the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Pacers-Thunder Game 1 hits record low in views for FinalsZachary Draves ·
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver walk through the audience during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place.
6 NBA teams that never drafted with the first overall pickSpencer See ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Sep 24, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings minority owner Shaquille O'Neal talks to the media after the press conference at Kings Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Shaq’s ex-nemesis shows up at Game 1Zachary Draves ·

Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich didn't take the backlash lightly and fired back at those upset fans.

“Some people want to play the blame game,” Gregg Popovich said, per NBC Sports. “There’s no blame to be placed anywhere … like we should be ashamed because we didn’t win a gold medal? That’s a ridiculous attitude. It’s immature. It’s arrogant, and it shows that whoever thinks that doesn’t respect all the other teams in the world.”

Team USA has long been the gold standard in international basketball. Fans automatically expect them to dominate and stroll their way to a gold medal every time.

There is no doubt that their showing this year is going to stain their reputation as a basketball powerhouse. Nevertheless, fans should be careful about what they say.

Those players still poured their heart out for their country. The fact that they were there in China battling it out with the best in the world is a testament to their commitment to their flag.

As we know, this is a severely watered down iteration of Team USA. A handful of top-tier stars such as James Harden, Anthony Davis, and C.J. McCollum backed out of competing this year as they opted to rest up and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

Likewise, teams around the world just got better, as seen with the likes of Spain, Argentina, France, Australia, and Serbia.