USA vs Germany FIBA World Cup Semi-Finals Recap
- The scoring leaders coming into the game featured Dennis Schroder (18 PPG at the FIBAWC) and Anthony Edwards (17.3 PPG at the FIBAWC)
- Both teams got it going early with the first quarter ending Germany up 33-31
- The halftime score was 60-59 for the USA but neither team showed signs of backing down
- The game went down to the final seconds, but Germany prevailed 113-111
- Franz Wagner and Andreas Obst were huge for Die Mannschaft, each scoring over 20 points
- Germany will play Serbia in an all-European matchup for the FIBA World Cup Final on Sunday, September 10
- Orlando Magic fans were all-in with this one since it featured three of their young core of rising stars in Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner and Paolo Banchero
GERMANY OUTPACE THE USA IN A STUNNING SEMI-FINAL
In a game that started out quickly, Die Mannschaft never slowed across all four quarters. Led by Franz Wagner in the first half, the game was played at a frantic pace. Both teams had over 50 points with 3:10 left in the 2nd quarter. The half ended with the USA up 60-59 but with so many big names making big plays, it could have been easy to overlook Daniel Theis’ contributions for the Germans. He was quietly put in the hard work down low, grabbed key rebounds and added 13 points by halftime.
Coming out of the half, Germany kept the tempo, and it was the USA who struggled to keep up. The Germans built up a 10-point lead to end the 3rd quarter, with their standout player in the second half being Andreas Obst. He had the game of his life and ended up contributing a game-high 24 points. Beyond the scoring, he made several high impact plays that didn’t totally show up in the box score. The most notable was a drawn charge on Austin Reaves, at mid-court, with under 0:30 to go in the 3rd quarter. The turnover resulted in Germany scoring on one last possession to go up 94-84 with 10 minutes to go.
In the final frame, the USA made the game close, but the Germans held their nerves. There were key baskets from Dennis Schroder and Andreas Obst, and a crucial block from Isaac Bonga on Mikal Bridges with 0:58 to go. While the USA got it down to a 2-point lead in the final seconds, the Germans prevailed and moved on to the FIBA World Cup Final with a 113-111 victory.
USA’S LATE CHARGE WASN’T ENOUGH
While Austin Reaves scored with 2 seconds to go in the 4th quarter, making it a 2-point game, that’s as close as the comeback would get. The USA lost their halftime lead almost immediately and were behind the rest of the way. They couldn’t keep up with the free-flowing Germany offense and questions will be asked around why they couldn’t get more balanced scoring from their loaded roster.
Anothny Edwards (23 points) and Austin Reaves (21 points) led the charge but were the only ones to cross the 20-point mark for Team USA. Mikal Bridges (17) and Jalen Brunson (15) were the next closest but after them, no other American had double-digits. With a team as gifted as this version of Team USA, Coach Kerr and co. will be trying to unpick why was no one was able to step-up and stand-out when they needed it.
MVP
Andreas Obst led the way for Germany and had one of his best games ever for the national team. He made big plays throughout, especially in a signature second half. He ended on 24 points, 6 assists, 1 steal and very efficient shooting numbers. This earned him the game’s MVP honours and was a huge reason Germany are going to the FIBA World Cup Final.
FIBA WORLD CUP FINAL
All eyes now turn to the FIBA World Cup Final, set to be played in front of boisterous crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. The final will feature Serbia vs Germany on Sunday, September 10. With big names like Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroder, and the record-breaking Bogdan Bogdanovic (aka. FIBA Bogi) up on the marquee, it promises to be an extraordinary final. Who will hoist the Naismith Trophy and crowned FIBA World Cup Champions in 2023? Stream it live with on Courtside 1891 to find out!
FIBA WORLD CUP 3rd PLACE GAME
Before the final on Sunday, September 10, you can also watch the 3rd place game between neighbours Canada vs USA, live on Courtside 1891. Both teams have already punched their tickets for the Paris 2024 Olympics, but pride, some possible trash-talk material for the NBA season and a FIBA World Cup bronze medal are also on the line. Expect each team to come out strong, as both teams will want momentum going into next summer.
HIGHLIGHTS AND RECAPS
Don’t worry if you can’t catch the live action, Courtside 1891 will have extensive on-demand coverage and highlights after the game finishes. For the latest highlights alerts as well as live streaming and premium on-demand content, download the official Courtside 1891 app today.
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