The US basketball team defeats Germany in revenge
The Humiliation from Losing the WM Final against Germany Still Weighs Heavily on the US Basketball Team. Therefore, They Face the DBB Selection in Full Strength.
World Champions Germany came close to pulling off a surprising coup right before the Olympics in a spectacular Basketball showdown. Against Olympic champions USA, led by the excellent superstar LeBron James, the team lost narrowly in London with a score of 88:92 (41:48). The US team, with twelve NBA professionals, managed to take their revenge after losing in the WM semifinals, in front of German Basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki.
Spectacular blocks, thunderous dunks, and a series of three-point shots: The 19,177 fans in the sold-out arena in London were treated to a few days before the opening of the Olympics to everything that Basketball has to offer. Schröder (13 points) and Co. held their own again, as they had in the test in Abu Dhabi and at the WM, but this time, the individual brilliance of the team led by US flag bearer James (20 points), Stephen Curry (13), and Anthony Edwards prevailed.
"I'm extremely excited. To face a team like this doesn't happen often in a career. There are twelve impressive guys on it," said Franz Wagner (18 points) before the game. The young star of the Orlando Magic plays the entire season against all these NBA stars, but never in such a stacked lineup. "The second and third quarters were very good." The NBA pro only noted that the team had faltered a bit at the beginning and the end. "We can take a lot of positives from this," Wagner added: "And we see what we can still improve."
US Shines
Whether Schröder will receive the flagbearer honor, which James is certain to receive at the opening ceremony, remains to be announced on Thursday. Friendly chatting between the two former teammates at the Los Angeles Lakers before the game. Right from the start, Schröder showed confidence and made two quick three-pointers. The USA had trouble getting clean looks in the first minutes.
Two three-pointers from Jrue Holiday and the entry of the strong second unit around NBA champion Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics brought the favorites into a clear lead for the first time. A 21:4 run allowed the US team, which once again had to do without the injured Kevin Durant, to pull away. However, the anticipated decision was still a long way off. "We got off to a good start, then made a few stupid fouls. I'm proud of the team," Schröder said at halftime.
In the second quarter, the DBB team fought back. Andreas Obst, who had outperformed everyone in the WM semifinal, made two shots from outside and cut the lead to 39:42. Just before halftime, the Americans showed their muscles once again. Joel Embiid blocked Isaac Bonga with a monster block, and Anthony Edwards ignited the hall with a slam dunk (39:48).
Germany Faces Underdog Japan
The game, which felt like an away game for Schröder due to the large number of US fans, remained close and fiercely contested in the second half. Germany even took the lead and didn't let themselves be intimidated by an 8:0 run from the Americans in 48 seconds. With a three-point lead, it went into the final quarter for Germany.
Nowitzki signed autographs on jerseys, hats, and smartphones - on the court, he continued to receive excellent entertainment and a duel eye to eye. Only an overpowering final phase from the 39-year-old James brought the decision in favor of the Olympics winners.
Before the revenge, the NBA World Selection had initially shown some vulnerability. On Saturday, the US Americans won narrowly with a score of 101:100 against basketball dwarf South Sudan, after being behind by 14 points. "I prefer these games better than canter victories, at least we were tested," James said afterwards.
At the Summer Games, the USA is seen as an undisputed gold favorite. Germany aims to win the third medal in three years after the EM bronze in 2022 and the surprising WM triumph in Manila the previous year, and coach Gordon Herbert wants to give an ideal farewell. For the DBB team, the preliminary round begins in Lille on Saturday (13.30 pm) against outsider Japan. In addition, Brazil (30. July) and host France (2. August) are in this group - progress is expected. The USA are challenged right at the start on Sunday (17.15 pm) against Vice-World Champion Serbia and NBA star Nikola Jokic.
- Despite the loss in the World Basketball Championship semifinals to Germany, the United States of America was determined to avenge their defeat in the preliminary round of the Olympics.
- Dennis Schröder, a German player who had previously played with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers, showed confidence in the game against the US team, making two quick three-pointers.
- After the game, Dirk Nowitzki, another German basketball legend, was present on the court, signing autographs and engaging in a lively duel against LeBron James.
- In preparation for the Olympics, the United States will face stern competition, starting with Vice-World Champion Serbia and NBA star Nikola Jokic on their first match on Sunday, while Germany will begin their campaign against Japan on Saturday.
