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...