Nasty Falls, Bloodied Josh Giddey, Dennis Schroder’s 30 Points, and a Nervous Dirk Nowitzki – Germany’s Insane Last Second Win Had It All

While the FIBA World Cup has been going on in full swing, the tournament has yet to see a truly classic game. Even though seeing teams like the USA and Spain dominate can be entertaining, the true essence of basketball was missing with the lack of a bonafide classic. However, we finally have our first banger of a match now.

Featuring Josh Giddey and the Kangaroos going up against Germany, the game had it all. Whether it was dirty fouls, a nervous legend watching from the sidelines, or a controversial ending, the game had it all.

Germany vs Australia

The game started off with a crackling Aussie rally. Led by sharpshooter Patty Mills, who got traded 3 times in 4 days this offseason, the Boomers came with an early storm. Mills himself contributed 13 straight points in the opening period after Australia fell behind 8-0.

Germany showed some strong resolve. As a result, they were able to mount a comeback into the game. At halftime, the score read 49-44 to Germany. But, the clearly stronger Australian squad, featuring one of the best young players in the game in Josh Giddey showcased their dominance in the third quarter.

Even though Germany wasn’t without their centerpiece Franz Wagner, the team relied heavily on Dennis Schroder. Fresh off minting a huge contract with the Toronto Raptors, Dennis The Menace was the star of the show. Leading the game with 30 points and 8 assists, he was simply phenomenal.

As the game reached its final few minutes, the German side mounted a strong comeback. Eventually, they were able to hang on and pull off an unlikely upset, 85-82. Throughout the night, Germany’s all-time great, Dirk Nowitzki watched on as his country tried their hardest.

But the final few minutes weren’t without controversy.

Was the Josh Giddey call unfair?

With barely 5 seconds left on the clock, Giddey wasn’t allowed to check into the game. The cause? A gash on his arm that had blood spilling out. Unfortunately, a costly mistake by the Australian side for not opting for a timeout to put in their best player spelled their defeat.

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Patty Mills, who had been sensational the entire night for the Aussies, leading them with 21, caused a crucial turnover. Schroder, putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece, scored his final bucket. With 1.7 seconds on the clock, the game was all but over.

However, controversy reigned supreme yet again.

As Josh hoisted up a second half-court prayer, a German defender crashed into him. But as was the story throughout the night, the ref let it go and no foul was called as Giddey lay crumpled on the floor.

While the crowd is an Austin Reaves fan, no one is supporting the refs tonight.

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With this result, Germany improved to 2-0 in the group stage. Australia, on the other hand, might face a must-win scenario next time they’re on the court.

Against a risky bet in Japan or Finland, Group E is shaping up to be the heist of the Cup so far. Meanwhile, Schroder and Nowitzki finally took the time to celebrate a historic victory as they look ahead to the next challenge.