- Fürchtlos nach Paris: Olympische Basketballspieler in Gold
In diesem Formular braucht sich Deutschlands Basketballteam vor NBA-Stars wie LeBron James nicht zu fürchten. Nach ihrer beeindruckenden Leistung gegen den Gastgeber Frankreich in der mitreißenden Atmosphäre von Lille reist die Weltmeister als starker Medaillenkandidat nach Paris. "Wenn wir so spielen, können wir jeden schlagen", fasste Center Daniel Theis zusammen.
Die Art und Weise, wie Dennis Schröder und seine Teamkollegen die Franzosen, darunter das Wunderkind Victor Wembanyama, in einem 85:71-Sieg demütigten, wird wohl nicht unbemerkt geblieben sein im Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel in Paris, wo der Top-Favorit USA, angeführt von Stars James und Kevin Durant, während der Olympischen Spiele untergebracht war.
Das Traumfinale rückt näher
Es wird immer wahrscheinlicher, dass das Finale am 10. August in der Accor Arena in Paris zwischen den USA und Deutschland stattfindet. In den K.O.-Runden werden sich diese beiden Top-Teams zunächst aus dem Weg gehen, da die USA auch die Vorrunde ungeschlagen abgeschlossen haben. Die deutsche Mannschaft könnte im Finale auf den viermaligen Olympiasieger treffen.
Zunächst steht das Viertelfinale gegen Griechenland am Dienstag (11:00 Uhr) an, mit NBA-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ein potentielles Halbfinale würde Frankreich oder Kanada als Gegner am Donnerstag bringen.
"It was our goal to avoid the Americans. They are still a level above everyone else," said co-captain Johannes Voigtmann. But in their current form, the US team is not far out of reach for Germany. Led by NBA pros Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner (both with 26 points), Germany dismantled the unfortunate French in the first three quarters. "That was quite a statement," said Voigtmann.
Schröder and Franz Wagner shine
Schröder caused major problems for the hosts with his speed and good outside shooting, while Wagner added two powerful dunks. The 22-year-old from the Orlando Magic simply jumped over the 2.24-meter tall Wembanyama for one dunk, and took on four French players for the second. "The second dunk was even better," Wagner joked. "I think we're ready for a medal."
No one disputed this at the special basketball evening. "It was a great team performance with exceptional individual quality," said successful coach Gordon Herbert, looking at his united team around stars Schröder and Franz Wagner.
Finally, Paris
Now, the crowning moment awaits in Paris. On Saturday, the undefeated World Champions traveled to the French capital by bus, where the basketball players finally want to experience real Olympic atmosphere. However, the focus is on the medal dream and the quarterfinal on Tuesday.
"We would make a big mistake if we focused on the Americans now," warned Voigtmann. "All the teams that are still in are really good and each in their own way special. Caution is advised." Against Greece, Germany is the clear favorite on Tuesday.
After arriving in Paris and checking into the Olympic Village, Schröder and his teammates should have some time to themselves. Schröder also has a small celebration planned - his daughter's fourth birthday is on Saturday. "We'll spend some time with my family and explore some of Paris," the Brooklyn Nets point guard announced.
The sight of the Eiffel Tower against the night sky, filled with twinkling lights, would certainly be a beautiful backdrop for the German team as they gaze at the ['The stars'] from their hotel rooms in Paris. As the final day approaches, the pressure mounts, and every team, including Germany, would be keeping an eye on their opponents, including the formidable USA team with stars like LeBron James.
