Germany’s men’s basketball team made history on Tuesday by advancing to the Olympic semifinals for the first time. They defeated Greece 76-63, eliminating two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the tournament.
Despite trailing by 12 points in the first quarter, Germany tied the game at 36-36 by halftime. They pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, setting up a semifinal match against either France or Canada.
Franz Wagner led Germany with 18 points. Although Antetokounmpo scored 22 points, Germany remained unbeaten. Johannes Thiemann’s crucial dunk in the third quarter gave Germany a 54-50 lead. Thiemann finished with 10 points and six rebounds, while Dennis Schroder contributed 13 points off the bench.
Their victory over Greece showcased their resilience and determination. Initially, Greece started strong, with Antetokounmpo’s dunk giving them a 16-4 lead. Nick Calathes assisted Antetokounmpo on an alley-oop dunk and added a three-pointer, extending Greece’s lead to 12 points by the end of the first quarter.
Germany gradually turned the game around with strong performances from Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner, who each scored six points in the first half. Their dominance on the boards allowed them to tie the game. Schroder’s alley-oop to Daniel Theis made it 36-36 just before halftime.
Schroder’s three-pointer at the start of the third quarter gave Germany their first lead. After a closely contested third quarter, Isaac Bonga’s buzzer-beating three-pointer extended Germany’s lead to 59-52. Germany maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, securing the win and advancing to the semifinals.
Greece’s initial burst out of the gate saw their fans on their feet, especially when Antetokounmpo threw down a dunk that pushed their lead to 16-4 with less than five minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, Germany’s tactical adjustments and disciplined play helped them claw back into the game.
Johannes Thiemann’s performance was pivotal. His dunk with 1:24 left in the third quarter put Germany up 54-50. Thiemann finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, and a steal. Dennis Schroder’s contribution off the bench was also significant, with 13 points and key assists that helped Germany control the pace of the game.
Germany’s ability to withstand a 22-point performance from Antetokounmpo and still come out on top highlights their team depth and strategic execution. Antetokounmpo’s efforts, although stellar, were not enough to carry Greece past the resilient German squad.
Germany’s triumph over Greece is not just a milestone in their Olympic journey but also a testament to their growth and development as a formidable basketball team on the world stage. The victory sets the stage for an exciting semifinal clash, where Germany will face either host nation France or Canada.
In other Olympic basketball news, South Korea’s men’s team and Taiwan’s women’s team also advanced to the quarterfinals with decisive 3-0 wins over Croatia and Australia, respectively. These victories highlight the competitive spirit and high level of play present in this year’s Olympic basketball tournament.
Germany’s performance and Ma Long’s impressive debut in the table tennis events underscore the high level of competition and remarkable talent in this year’s Olympics. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the tournament moves into the quarterfinals and beyond.
The journey in the Olympics so far has been marked by strategic play, resilience, and standout performances from key players. Their win over Greece is a significant achievement and sets them up for a potentially historic run in the semifinals.
As the competition continues, all eyes will be on Germany to see if they can maintain their momentum and advance to the finals. The dedication, skill, and teamwork displayed by Germany’s men’s basketball team are sure to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
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