- Fearless to Paris: Olympic basketball players in gold
In this form, Germany's basketball team need not fear the NBA stars like LeBron James. After their impressive performance against host France in the thrilling atmosphere of Lille, the World Champions travel to Paris as a strong medal contender. "If we play like this, we can beat anyone," center Daniel Theis summed it up.
The way Dennis Schröder and his teammates humiliated the French, including prodigy Victor Wembanyama, in a 85:71 victory is unlikely to have gone unnoticed at the Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel in Paris, where top favorite USA, led by stars James and Kevin Durant, stayed during the Olympics.
The dream final is approaching
It's becoming increasingly likely that the final on August 10 at the Accor Arena in Paris will be between the USA and Germany. In the knockout rounds, these two top teams will initially avoid each other, as the USA also finished the preliminary round undefeated. The German team could potentially face the four-time Olympic gold medalist in the final.
First up is the quarterfinal against Greece on Tuesday (11:00 AM), featuring NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. A potential semifinal would see France or Canada as the opponent on Thursday.
"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.
