- "History is made": Basketball players in semi-finals
Franz Wagner was in a chatty mood, but his older brother Moritz called him to order after the German basketball team's first-ever Olympic semi-final appearance. "Let's go, we've got to get moving," Moritz shouted, while Franz was still answering journalists' questions. But World Champion Germany has more in store in Paris, it's not over yet. The big goal remains a medal, which is now within reach after the 76:63 victory against Greece in the quarter-finals.
"We've already made history," said captain Dennis Schroder. "It's great to be part of this team. We're like a family," said the Brooklyn Nets point guard. The team has always had a familial atmosphere, even during Dirk Nowitzki's time. But the quality of the current team is far greater than it was during the bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships and the silver medal at the 2005 European Championships.
Balance as a great strength
Above all, the balance at the highest level is what carries Germany through the tournament, just as it did at last year's World Cup. "The strength is that we are a team. We have two superstars in Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner, but above all, we are a team. Everyone accepts their role, that makes the team strong," said successful coach Gordon Herbert.
For the Canadian, this could have been his last game as national coach. Herbert is moving to German double winners Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga after the Olympics. A quarter-final loss to Greece would have abruptly ended the 65-year-old's unprecedented time.
Herbert didn't show any signs of this special situation. Even when his team got off to a disastrous start and was quickly 12 points behind, Herbert remained calm. "The coach never got hectic. We stayed cool. After the first quarter, we told ourselves that was our bad quarter, now we're going to start," said co-captain Johannes Voigtmann.
And so, the German basketball party in Paris continues. After the sensational gold coup of the 3x3 women, the world champions are also fighting for medals. Next up is the winner of the game between France and Canada on Thursday. In a possible final, top favorite USA would likely be waiting.
After bronze at the home European Championships last year and gold at the World Championships, a third medal is within reach for the men in a short time. On Wednesday, the German women also have the chance to reach the semi-finals. They play against hosts France at 6:00 PM.
Germany misses the start
The Herbert team had cheered on the 3x3 women on their way to Olympic gold the day before. Franz and Moritz Wagner even supported the German quartet in the arena at Place de la Concorde on Monday evening. "Congratulations to the girls," said Franz Wagner. "It was a great experience and I was extremely happy for them."
But the German team couldn't initially take the euphoria of the first German basketball medal at the Olympics with them. Quite the contrary. Schröder and co. seemed sluggish, unfocused, and sluggish at first. The defense, which was impressive in the final round against hosts France in Lille, showed unexpected gaps this time.
Second row shines again
Especially NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo took advantage of this to score some spectacular dunks. After the first quarter, Germany was deservedly behind by ten points (11:21). But then the German selection increased the intensity and caught up again by half-time (36:36).
The rematch of the 2022 EuroBasket quarterfinal proved to be a tough affair. It was ultimately players from the second unit, Isaac Bonga and Johannes Thiemann, alongside young star Franz Wagner, who stepped up with crucial three-pointers and energy to guide the game in the right direction.
As in the gold medal win at the World Cup last year, Schröder and co. managed to overcome a subpar performance unscathed. In 2023, there had been a nail-biting victory in the quarterfinals against Latvia. Moritz Wagner wasn't surprised: "This isn't a regional league," said the NBA pro from the Orlando Magic before he and his brother returned to the Olympic Village.
Germany will continue its pursuit of a medal in Paris, following its 76:63 victory against Greece in the quarter-finals. The team's cohesion and balance, including standout performances from stars like Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner, have been key factors in their success.
In the historical context of German basketball, this current team's achievements surpass those of the past, such as the bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships and the silver medal at the 2005 European Championships.
