Germany, after a stellar offensive performance, defeated the USA 113-111, securing a spot in the FIBA World Cup final.
The early minutes were marked by highly efficient play, especially from Germany, which scored 25 points in just over five minutes. With this performance, Gordon Herbert’s team gained a double-digit lead, but the USA quickly fought back. The beginning of the second quarter was dominated by the Americans, but Franz Wagner initiated an 8-0 run, allowing Germany to close the half trailing by just one point, 60-59.
The 59 points by Germany in the first half were just a preview of what was to come. They scored an impressive 35 points and did not relent in their pursuit of victory. This paid off, as they entered the final 10 minutes with a double-digit lead. While they couldn’t maintain that lead until the end, the game turned into a dramatic showdown, with Andreas Obst and later Dennis Schroder emerging as heroes to seal the win.
The top scorers for the winners were Andreas Obst with 24 points and Franz Wagner with 22 points. The defeated team was led by Anthony Edwards with 23 points and Austin Reaves with 21 points.
Germany will face Serbia in the final, while the USA will take on Canada in the battle for the gold medal.
First half
Traditionally, the USA got off to a slow start in the game. They struggled with pick-and-roll defense and had difficulty dealing with the opponent’s tall players. Additionally, Andreas Obst had another strong shooting night, hitting two three-pointers and igniting Gordon Herbert’s team. Gradually, Germany built a double-digit lead, thanks to a three-pointer from Dennis Schroder. Herbert’s team scored an impressive 25 points in just over five minutes, but in the end, the USA, led by Austin Reaves, managed to tie the game and end the surge.
The game was played at an NBA pace during those moments, and when it’s like that, the USA thrives on their home court. A three-point shooting exhibition marked the early minutes of the second half, and it seemed like only a matter of time before Germany would falter. Reaves was driving the opponent towards that, while Johannes Thiemann wasn’t allowing it. Germany’s defense was very poor, but they stayed competitive due to their excellent offense. Herbert’s team improved their defense and went on an 8-0 run to turn the game around. There weren’t many misses until the end of the first half, but the USA went into halftime with a slight half-point lead, feeling satisfied.
Second half: Germany has strengthened its rhythm compared to the USA
The USA attempted to contain their opponent’s offensive arsenal with a zone defense, but they struggled to do so. Germany, led by Franz Wagner and Daniel Theis, took a 70-64 lead, and their defense played a significant role in this. Schroder joined in and extended their lead to eight points with a new three-pointer. Defensive specialist Isaac Bonga also made a three-pointer, rewarding himself after some poor defensive reactions from the opponents. Andreas Obst was also brilliant, making it difficult for the Americans to catch up.
Germany entered the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead and reached 100 points in the game as early as the 32nd minute. It was clear that the USA needed to make some changes on defense if they wanted to mount a comeback. With five minutes to go, it seemed that Herbert’s team was on the verge of victory, but then a shadow of doubt crept in. Anthony Edwards brought the Americans to within just three points, followed by Reaves narrowing it to one point. After that, Obst scored to give Germany a four-point lead with a minute left, and then Schroder was accurate for a six-point lead in the next possession. That was enough to avoid a complete drama and secure Germany’s place in the final.
USA – GERMANY 111:113 (31:33, 29:26, 24:35, 27:19)
Arena: Mall of Asia, Manila;
Referees: Conde, Krejic, Salins.
USA: Brunson 15, Haliburton 7, Jackson Jr 8, Bridges 17, Kessler, Portis 5, Hart 9, Reaves 21, Banchero 6, Edwards 23, Johnson.
Germany: Bonga 3, Giffey, Hollatz, Kramer, Schroder 17, Theis 21, Lo, Obst 24, Theimann 10, Voigtmann, F. Wagner 22, M. Wagner 10.