Talking Sports: Spain out, Lithuania is now Europe's top power; U.S. must be cautious

For the last five or so years, Spain has played second fiddle to the United States as the second-best international basketball team in the world. There have been some memorable dogfights between those two countries, including a couple of championship games.

For years, the Spaniards were the biggest threat to U.S. dominance – featuring the most NBA-star laden roster and the biggest matchup problems for an oft-cocky but superior American team.

That all changed on Wednesday. France, playing without its top two players in San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker and bruising Chicago Bulls big man...