German basketball players dismantle opening opponents Japan
Japan is not just an important test for the German basketball team, as the world champions will face the Asian selection at the Olympics. The team of coach Gordon Herbert dominates - and is already looking forward to the final test against the US Dream Team.
The German basketball teams passed their double Olympic test with brilliance. The men's world champions reinforced their medal aspirations with a dominant 104:83 (56:31) victory against the upcoming group stage opponent Japan. A week before the start of the Summer Games in Lille, both teams gathered self-confidence in front of 10,413 spectators.
Franz Wagner (27 points), Dennis Schröder, and Andreas Obst (both 12) led the German Basketball Federation's squad with impressive performances eight days before the Olympics.
"We did a good job," said captain Schröder to MagentaSport. "The team chemistry is good, everyone moved the ball. We did well defensively." Topscorer Wagner highlighted the first half in particular. It was also good to see "where we still have potential," he said. Coach Gordon Herbert commented: "We played good basketball in the first half. In the second, not as much, but that will help us."
However, his team never doubted their determination to win this match. Schröder, one of the three candidates for the role of the German flagbearer, controlled the game masterfully and skillfully set up his teammates.
Franz Wagner shines in his hometown
From the first minute, the Japanese were practically hopeless. After the first quarter, it was 27:16 in favor of the home team, and the lead grew to 56:31 at halftime. Above all, Berliner Franz Wagner, who is active in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, could not be stopped in his old stomping grounds. The 22-year-old pulled relentlessly towards the basket and shone offensively.
Wagner and his teammates continued to apply pressure in the second half. Above all, the wing player showed why he recently signed a new contract with a five-year term, for which he will earn at least 224 million dollars (around 206 million Euros). At the end of the third quarter, he was substituted out to the applause of the spectators and could watch as his teammates managed the lead.
The German women also won without their stars from the North American WNBA in an unusual large setting. Normally, they play in smaller halls. The team of national coach Lisa Thomaidis defeated the African champion without much effort. The top scorers in the European Championship were the American-born Alexis Peterson (22 points), who had only recently received a German passport, and Marie Gülich (16). "I am incredibly proud of this team. Everyone knows that we are missing three important players. That's not always easy," said Gülich: "That was a big step forward."
Germany had to forgo Leonie Fiebich, Nyara Sabally (both New York Liberty), and Satou Sabally (Dallas Wings), who were taking a break after their season. The trio will be present for the remaining test matches in London against the USA and Great Britain. In the Olympic group stage, it goes then in Group C against Belgium and Japan, and the USA for the advancement to the knockout round.
For the men's team, there is a Olympic warm-up against Gold-Favorite USA with LeBron James in London on Monday. In the group stage of the Basketball Tournament in Lille, it goes then against Olympic host France, Japan, and Brazil. Germany is among the favorite teams for the medals.
In contrast to the German women's team, the German men's basketball team, led by coach Gordon Herbert, had a dominant victory against Japan, their opening opponent at the Olympics. The German-born NBA player Franz Wagner, who played for the Orlando Magic, was particularly impressive for the home team, scoring 27 points and leading them to a comfortable 104-83 victory. Japan, though formidable in their own right, struggled to keep up with the world champions' aggressive play and seamless teamwork.
