Germany Makes Historic Olympic Men's Basketball Semifinal Appearance

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ICARO Media Group
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06/08/2024 19h31

In a thrilling quarterfinal match, Germany's national basketball team secured a spot in the Olympic men's basketball semifinals for the first time in its history, defeating Greece with a final score of 76-63. The reigning World Cup champions showcased their resilience and talent, overcoming a sluggish start to seal their place in the semis.

Led by Franz Wagner's impressive performance, Germany staged a remarkable comeback after trailing by 12 points against Greece, who was vying for their first ever semifinal berth in the Olympics. Wagner contributed 18 points in the game, supported by Dennis Schroder's 13 points and eight assists.

Having gone unbeaten in the group stage with a flawless 3-0 record, Germany maintained their remarkable form in the Olympic Games in Paris. Their previous best finish in the Olympics was seventh place, achieved in 1992.

The German team displayed their determination and unity throughout the competition, and Wagner emphasized their strong team spirit, stating, "I think everybody on the team knows that we've got a special group, and I want to get the most out of this."

Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of Greece's key players, put up an impressive performance with 22 points. However, Greece struggled with turnovers, committing 15 in total, which resulted in 20 points for Germany.

Germany's triumph can be attributed to their adjustments during halftime, as coach Gordon Hebert decided to switch to a bigger lineup and alter their defensive strategy. This change proved effective as Germany dominated the third quarter, building a seven-point lead heading into the final period. A 13-5 run at the start of the fourth quarter further extended their advantage to 72-57 with 1:50 remaining.

Wagner commended the team's maturity and ability to handle adversity, stating, "I think it speaks to our maturity. We even talked about it at halftime -- not everything's going to go perfect all the time. So you kind of recover from that and adjust and react. I thought we did a good job of responding."

Germany will now eagerly await the outcome of the clash between France and Canada to determine their semifinal opponent. With their sights set on continuing their impressive run, Germany aims to maintain the momentum they have built throughout the tournament.

The German team has undoubtedly made a mark in the Olympic men's basketball competition, and their historic semifinal appearance is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and determination. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Germany's Olympic journey, as they strive to make a lasting impact on the world stage.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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