8th September, 2023
Germany basketball team made history on Friday as they stunned the star-studded United States of America (USA) team to reach the final of the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) World Cup in Philippines.
Germany defeated the Americans 113-111 to win the pulsating encounter in the semi-final to advance to the final for the first time.
Many were shocked the way the Americans played as they were easily dominated by the Germans.
The American teams are being criticised on X, formerly Twitter for displaying shoddy performance and failing to reach the final despite the nation’s proud NBA league being regarded as the best in the world.
With a total of 224 points scored, this is the highest scoring game in the FIBA World Cup since 1994 when USA and Russia combined for 228 total points (137-91).
Germany had six players score in double figures, topped by Andi Obst’s 24 points – including 4 breath-taking three-pointers, while Franz Wagner poured in 22 and Daniel Theis picked up 21 points and played inspiring defense inside.
Germany’s execution was otherworldly, shooting 58 percent for the gamed 68 percent on two-pointers. They also committed only 10 turnovers – just 4 in the final 20 minutes when USA tried pick up their defense.
When one looks at 224 points scored, they could think not much defense was played. But both teams played at highest intensity and it was offensive execution that won out, according to FIBA.basketball.
The game was the first time both teams scored more than 100 points in a knockout round in the main bracket at the FIBA World Cup.
It was also the most points allowed by USA in a FIBA World Cup game, while Germany’s 113 points are the most ever scored by a team in a Semi-Final at the FIBA World Cup.
The game was also the highest scoring first half in a FIBA World Cup Semi-Final, with 119 points. The game was also the first time both teams scored 50+ points in the first half of a FIBA World Cup Semi-Final.
It was also the highest scoring first half in the FIBA World Cup since 2002 when New Zealand and Germany combined for 122 points in the bronze medal game.