– Need for Paris: Olympic basketball players in gold
In this form, the Germany basketball team does not need to be afraid of NBA stars like LeBron James. After their impressive performance against France, the host team, in the electrifying atmosphere of Lille, the World Champions traveled to pair as a strong medal contender. “If we play like this, we can beat anybody,” center Daniel Theis summed it up.
The way in which Dennis Schröder and his teammates embarrassed the French, including the amazing Victor Wembanyama, in an 85:71 victory, likely to go unnoticed at the Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel in Paris, where the number one favorite USA, led by star James and Kevin Durant, stayed during the Olympics.
the ending the dream it’s getting close
It is more likely that the final on August 10 at the Accor Arena in Paris will be played between the USA and the Germania. In the elimination rounds, these two top teams will avoid each other, as the USA also finished the preliminary round undefeated. The German team could face the four-time Olympic champion in the final.
First there is the quarter-final against Greece this Tuesday (11am), where NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be included. A potential semifinal would feature France or Canada as Thursday’s opponents.
“Our goal is to avoid the Americans. They are one level above everyone else,” said co-captain Johannes Voigtmann. But on their current form, Team USA isn’t too far from Germany’s reach. Led by NBA pros Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner (both with 26 points), Germany dismantled the poor French in the first three quarters. “That’s a great message,” Voigtmann said.
Schröder and Franz Wagner shine
Schröder caused the hosts big problems with his speed and good outside shooting, while Wagner added two powerful dunks. The 22-year-old from Orlando Magic simply jumped over the 2.24-meter Wembanyama for a dunk and battled four French players for the second. “The second dunk was even better,” Wagner joked. “I think we are ready for a medal.”
No one disputes this special night of basketball. “It was a great team performance with exceptional individual quality,” said successful coach Gordon Herbert, watching his team unite with stars Schröder and Franz Wagner.
Finally, Paris
Now, the highlight awaits them in Paris. On Saturday, the undefeated World Champions traveled to the French capital by coach, where the basketball players finally wanted to experience the true Olympic atmosphere. However, the focus is on the dream of a medal and the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
“We are making a big mistake if we focus on the Americans now,” Voigtmann warned. “All the teams that are still playing are very good and each one is special in its own way. Care must be taken.” Against Greece, Germany is the clear favorite on Tuesday.
After their arrival in Paris and inspection of the Vila Olimpica, Schröder and his colleagues should have some free time. Schröder also threw a small party – his four-year-old daughter’s birthday on Saturday. “We will spend time with my family and explore a little in Paris,” announced the Brooklyn Nets guard.
The sight of the Eiffel Tower against the night sky, full of twinkling lights, will surely be an amazing backdrop for the German team as they watch the [‘stelle’] from their hotel rooms in Paris. With the final day approaching, the pressure will increase and every team, including Germany, will be wary of their opponents, including the formidable USA team with stars like LeBron James.