Olympic preparation - Strong comeback: German basketball players defeat France
The German basketball national team significantly improved in the second Olympic test and scored a surprising win against hosting France in Montpellier with a score of 70:65 (39:39).
Captain Schröder, who was constantly booed and jeered, was one of the central figures in front of around 10,000 spectators at the Sud-de-France Arena, with 17 points. In contrast to the first match, the Wagner brothers Franz and Moritz were also present. The younger Franz, who has signed a five-year contract with the Orlando Magic worth over 200 million Euros, scored 17 points. Maodo Lo contributed 16 points to the thrilling game.
Theis, Thiemann and Wembanyama were absent
Three weeks before the Olympic basketball tournament with the preliminary round in Lille and the final round in Paris, the German team coached by national coach Gordon Herbert showed significant improvement. After a weak first quarter with only 11 points scored, Germany caught up in the second quarter and managed to tie the game just in time before the break. The game went back and forth - with advantages for the guests.
Herbert was able to bring the Wagners back into the game due to insurance issues, but had to once again do without Daniel Theis. The 32-year-old is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans and could then also soon be back on the court. Johannes Thiemann was absent.
On the French side, NBA supertalent Victor Wembanyama, who had dominated in Cologne, was unable to play due to illness. Germany plays the third preparation game on Saturday (19.30 hours/MagentaSport) against the Netherlands in Hamburg. In the Olympic preliminary round, there will be another duel between France and Germany.
- Dennis Schröder's comeback in the German basketball national team was marked by his 17 points, despite constant boos and jeers from the Montpellier crowd.
- The improvement of the German team was evident, as they managed a come back win against France with a score of 70:65, during their second Olympic test.
- In Montpellier, the German team, led by coach Gordon Herbert, showcased their improved skills, with Maodo Lo contributing 16 points and the Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, also making significant contributions.
- Although Daniel Theis, a key player for the German team, was missing due to contract negotiations with the New Orleans Pelicans, his replacement brought the same level of intensity and determination.
- The French basketball national team, without NBA supertalent Victor Wembanyama due to illness, faced a tough challenge against the improved German team in Montpellier.
- With the Olympic basketball tournament approaching, both the German and French teams will look to build on their performance in the preparation games, as they gear up for their upcoming duel in the preliminary round.
