In a shocking turn of events, the USA Basketball team found themselves out of contention for the gold medal at the World Cup for the second consecutive time. Instead, Germany emerged as the powerhouse, inching closer to a world title with a historic victory.
Per NBA.com, Andreas Obst led the charge for Germany with 24 points, closely followed by Franz Wagner with 22, as they achieved a remarkable feat by scoring more points than any other team ever has against a USA Basketball squad featuring NBA players. The final score was 113-111 in favor of Germany.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the worthiness of the German team, stating, “This team is very worthy of winning a championship,” while expressing disappointment over their own performance. The loss raised questions about the evolving landscape of international basketball and the diminishing gap between the USA and other top teams.
The road to redemption now lies ahead for USA Basketball, as they will face Canada for the bronze medal. Meanwhile, Germany, the last unbeaten team in the tournament, is set to clash with Serbia in the World Cup final.
The game’s turning point came in the final minutes when Andreas Obst nailed a crucial 3-pointer, extending Germany’s lead and thwarting the USA’s late-game rally. While the U.S. attempted a comeback, they never managed to take the lead, leaving Germany to celebrate their hard-fought victory.
Despite strong performances from Anthony Edwards, Austin Reaves, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 76 points, the U.S. couldn’t secure the win. Both teams shot an impressive 58%, but it was the U.S. defense that faltered, allowing Germany to score 113 points in the 40-minute game.
This loss marked a significant departure from the U.S. men’s basketball tradition, as the previous high for points allowed by a U.S. team in the Olympics or World Cup, dating back to 1992 when NBA players joined, was 110 points. The disappointing outcome ultimately shattered the Americans’ dreams of a gold medal.
Germany’s historic win was made possible by a standout performance from Daniel Theis, who contributed 21 points. The team’s resilience and a dominant third quarter played a pivotal role in securing the victory. Germany’s finish at this World Cup marks their first-ever appearance in the final.
While USA Basketball will reflect on what went wrong, Germany is focused on seizing the championship. Franz Wagner summed up the team’s determination, stating, “We’ve got one more to go.”
This nail-biting match showcased the unpredictable nature of international basketball and a changing landscape where emerging teams can challenge traditional powerhouses. The disappointment for USA Basketball serves as a reminder that the pursuit of gold remains as challenging as ever.
