Kofi Inkoom
Germany ‘s surprising win over Team USA propels them into the final alongside Serbia, who defeated Canada earlier today, setting the stage for a championship battle ahead of Sunday’s ultimate showdown.
Germany’s performance underscores that their strong showing in last year’s Eurobasket was merely a stepping stone, as they secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup final by triumphing over the USA.
In a scenario reminiscent of 2002 when the USA faced Greece, history repeated itself in 2023 against Germany. Despite being the clear favorites in the semifinals, the USA encountered a team that executed flawlessly, creating a historic moment.
Germany emerged triumphant with a final score of 113-111, leaving the USA scrambling in the final moments, but the clock proved their enemy.
Leading the charge for Germany were sharpshooter Andreas Obst with 24 points, Franz Wagner with 22, Daniel Theis with 21, and Dennis Schroder with 17 points and nine assists, showcasing an extraordinary team effort.
Dennis Schroder (17 PTS, 9 AST) and Franz Wagner (22 PTS, 5 REB) powered Germany to the W 🔥
They’re moving on the the #FIBAWC Finals vs. Serbia on Sunday! https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1700160992108539974/video/1
— NBA (@NBA) September 8, 2023
On the American side, Anthony Edwards contributed 23 points, while Austin Reaves added 21 in a valiant attempt to rescue the game, but their efforts ultimately fell short.
A masterclass in offense.
Once again, the USA had a sluggish start, allowing Germany to establish a 25-15 lead, with Andreas Obst contributing nine early points.
However, a 14-3 run, capped by a three-pointer from Austin Reaves, leveled the score at 29 with just one minute remaining in the first quarter. The quarter ended with Germany holding a slim two-point advantage at 33-31.
Andreas Obst had Haliburton on the floor https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1700154802427060433/video/1
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) September 8, 2023
During the second quarter, the USA managed to build a four-point lead at 45-41, prompting Germany to call a timeout. However, Coach Gordon Herbert’s team remained composed and swiftly regained the lead at 52-48 after two layups by Franz Wagner and Johannes Voightmann.
This remarkable first half turned out to be the most high-scoring in World Cup history since 2002. At halftime, the USA held a narrow one-point lead at 60-59, with a total of five players from both teams already reaching double-digit scoring.
Germany maintained their momentum and started the second half with an eight-point lead at 76-68, courtesy of a three-pointer from Dennis Schroder.
The game continued at a high tempo, with defense taking a back seat, and Germany extended their advantage to nine points at 89-80 following a three-pointer by Andreas Obst.
The scoring spree didn’t stop there. Mo Wagner added another three-pointer, pushing Germany’s lead to 10 points at 92-82, and the third quarter concluded with the same ten-point difference at 94-84.
To kick off the final period, Obst extended Germany’s lead to 12 points at 96-84 with two successful free throws, highlighting the USA’s lackluster defense throughout the game.
An electrifying finish.
Without managing to halt their opponents, both teams continuously traded baskets until the USA mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to a three-point margin at 106-103 with three minutes remaining, courtesy of a three-pointer by Anthony Edwards.
Anthony Edwards with a big time shot 👀#USABMNT trying to make the comeback on ESPN2! #FIBAWC https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1700153770225578171/video/1
— NBA (@NBA) September 8, 2023
In the crucial moments of the game, Dennis Schroder executed a critical layup, extending Germany’s lead to 108-103, but Austin Reaves responded promptly, reducing the deficit to 108-105.
Opportunities were squandered by both teams, leading to Reaves being fouled and sent to the free-throw line, where he made it a one-point game at 108-107.
However, Andreas Obst quickly responded with a three-pointer, pushing Germany ahead at 111-107. Schroder added another bucket, making it 113-107, and despite Reaves’ heroic efforts, the game concluded with victory secured for Germany.
Schedule for the upcoming games :
The USA and Canada will compete for the bronze medal in an all-North American matchup on Sunday at 8:00 AM GMT.
In the final, Serbia and Germany will face off in an all-European showdown. The battle for the ultimate trophy will take place on Sunday at precisely 12:40 PM GMT.