USA Basketball’s highly anticipated FIBA World Cup clash with Canada on Sunday will not be for the gold medal, but rather for the bronze. In a closely contested semifinal, Germany upset USA Basketball 113-111, ending their aspirations of regaining World Cup supremacy. Germany, led by NBA players like Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner, and Daniel Theis, took control early, and despite American efforts to fight back, the Germans secured the win. This marked Germany’s first victory over USA Basketball since the introduction of NBA stars in international competitions in 1992.
Germany, the only remaining undefeated team in the tournament with a 7-0 record, overcame their previous late-game struggles to seal the victory. Their size in the paint posed challenges for the Americans, and their ball movement led to open three-point shots. USA Basketball compounded their problems by fouling three-point shooters, giving the Germans extra points from the free-throw line.
In the end, Germany’s Andreas Obst and Dennis Schröder made crucial plays in the closing moments to fend off an American comeback. Six German players scored in double figures, with Obst leading the way with 24 points. Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for USA Basketball with 23 points, but his struggles from beyond the arc and a key turnover proved costly. Despite the efforts of Austin Reaves off the bench, the Americans fell short, being outrebounded and unable to secure enough defensive stops.
Now, USA Basketball will compete for their fourth medal in the last five FIBA World Cup appearances when they face Canada for the bronze. Notably, Canada has never won a medal in the tournament’s history.
