Germany reached the final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time in its history, defeating five-time champions USA 113-111 on Friday in the Philippine capital of Manila.
The score remained close in the first half until the Germans extended their lead to 12 points in the third quarter after mistakes by Josh Hart and Jaylen Brunson.
GERMANY STUNNED THE USA AND REACHED THE WORLD CUP FINAL.#FIBAVKpic.twitter.com/fvzcMtCyAa
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
However, the Americans closed the gap in the final minutes (107-108) thanks to Anthony Edwards (23 points and 8 rebounds) and Austin Reeves (21 points), before the Germans regained the initiative in the final minutes, led by Dennis Schroeder. (17 points and 9 assists) to win 113,-111 and retain their spot in the final to face Serbia, who defeated Canada 95–86.
Germany’s best World Cup finish was a third-place finish in 2002, while the American team was unable to pursue a sixth title in its history knowing it entered the tournament without the American Basketball League’s biggest stars. The NBA is content with its supporting cast, led by coach Steve Kerr.
The US will miss the finals for the second time in a row after being crowned in 2010 and 2014, noting that its participation varies from one version to the next in terms of the appearance of NBA stars, most of whom chose to rest after the finals. end of last season.
Source: Agencies