We might have just witnessed the best match of the FIBA World Cup 2023. The United States of America took on European heavyweights Germany in the Semi-Finals of the tournament. With rivalries like Dennis Schroder vs. Anthony Edwards on the cards, it was a really hyped game, and safe to say, it lived up to the hype. The USA trailed Germany for most of the second half and it looked like the game was slipping out of their hands.
That’s when they launched a late haul, which almost knocked out Germany. However, it was too late, and the game ended in heartbreak for the youngsters.
Anthony Edwards’ late haul ends in vain
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It wasn’t a fairytale ending for Steve Kerr and Team USA. They had a 5-1 record in the tournament going against Germany. With names like Edwards, Austin Reaves, Tyrese Haliburton, and many others under Kerr’s disposal, millions of people around the world expected the USA to sweep the FIBA World Cup.
However, it is former Los Angeles Lakers star Dennis Schroder and Germany who played spoilsport to USA’s aspirations. They beat Team USA 113-111 in the Semi-Finals.
They dominated most of the second half, but a brilliant Reaves and Edwards combination clawed the USA back into the game. Despite Edwards’ 23 points and Reaves’ 21 points, it wasn’t enough to take their team over the line.
On the other hand, Dennis Schroder had 17 points, 9 assists, and 2 rebounds. Although the former Laker has had better numbers in this tournament, his all-round performance couldn’t have come at a better time for Germany.
Orlando Magic youngster stuns Team USA
It wasn’t just Schroder who helped his team beat the mighty USA. 21-year-old Orlando Magic youngster, Franz Wagner, had 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.
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27-year-old Euro League star, Andreas Obst, had the performance of a lifetime. He scored 24 points and led his team in scoring. Germany will face Serbia in the Finals of the FIBA World Cup 2023 and have a huge chance of winning their maiden World Cup title. On the other hand, the USA takes on its neighbor Canada for the third-place match.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille O’Neal Subtly Warns Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards of a Storm Coming, as NBA All Star-Led Rivals Smoke Latvia to Overshadow Team USA
What are your predictions for the World Cup Final? Let us know in the comments below.