National team before the Olympics - A defeat without a trio: basketball world champions disappoint
Germany's Basketball World Champion team had a disappointing start to their Olympic preparation. The team led by Captain Dennis Schröder lost clearly in Cologne with a score of 66:90 (28:48) against Olympic host France. This was the second worst defeat during the three-year tenure of National Coach Gordon Herberger.
While the guests, featuring supertalent Victor Wembanyama (25 points), impressed their medal aspirations for Paris before 18,500 fans, the German team must significantly improve in the coming three weeks. Schröder clashed with NBA teammate Evan Fournier in the first half, who retaliated after a foul, and scored a total of 23 points in his first national team game since the World Championship title in Manila.
Wagner scheduled for Monday
The 30-year-old playmaker did not receive enough support this time. NBA professionals Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner, and Daniel Theis were not present on the court - to the disappointment of the fans, who wore many Wagner jerseys in the sold-out arena in Cologne. The reason is the contract situation of the three professionals, who have not been able to sign a new contract in the NBA yet. Herberger called the situation at MagentaSport "an obstacle."
From the unsigned contracts come difficulties with the insurance. At least for the Wagner brothers, it should work out before the return match, which takes place on Monday (9 p.m./ProSieben MAXX) in Montpellier. Both have agreed on a new contract with the Orlando Magic and only need to sign the paperwork. Whether Theis will be present for the second preparation game is still open.
Defensive pillars like slalom gates
On the court, the French were immediately present. Led by ambitious supertalent Wembanyama (2.23 meters) and defensive specialist Rudy Gobert (2.16 meters), the lead grew point by point. The French team led 8:0 early on, and the advantage quickly became double-digits. Germany attempted its first 12 three-point shots in vain. Schröder and Co. barely dared to enter the zone because Wembanyama, with his extremely long arms, was waiting there.
The most exciting moment of the game, which was also watched live by the German handball national team, was the scene between Fournier and Schröder. After a hard foul by the Frenchman, both NBA players exchanged words before Fournier grabbed Schröder by the neck with both hands. A unsportsmanlike foul was called against Schröder. Fournier received a disqualifying foul and had to leave the court early.
The game was already decided at halftime. France led by 20 points and had advantages in all statistical categories. The moving giant Wembanyama bent the German defense in parts like slalom gates and provided highlights after the break as well. He made a three-pointer over the rim. The two teams will meet again in the Olympic preparation in Lille on August 2.
- Despite the disappointing performance, National Coach Gordon Herberger remains hopeful, as Victor Wembanyama will join the German team for Monday's match in Montpellier.
- Dennis Schröder's clash with Evan Fournier during the international match in Cologne was a notable highlight, despite the team's loss.
- Frustration among the German fans was evident at Olympia as NBA professionals Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner, and Daniel Theis were unable to play due to contract issues.
- The absence of these three NBA players had a significant impact on the team's performance, as they were heavily relied upon for support during the Olympic preparation.
- Germany's struggle against France's formidable defense, led by Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, was evident from the start of the game in Cologne.
- The French team took advantage of their height advantage, with Wembanyama bending the German defense like slalom gates and providing exciting highlights throughout the game.
- Despite a strong second half performance, Germany was unable to recover from their disappointing first half, ultimately losing 66:90 to the French National team.
- Germany's lack of support for Schröder was apparent during the game, with the team's inability to penetrate France's defense leading to their significant deficit.
- The Wagner brothers have agreed on new contracts with the Orlando Magic and will likely join the German team for Monday's match, providing a much-needed boost for Germany's Olympic preparation.
- The presence of Victor Wembanyama in the German team for the second preparation game will add an exciting dynamic, as Germany looks to improve and overcome their disappointing start to the Olympic preparation.
