USA in Shock as Germany Upsets in FIBA Basketball World Cup Semi-Finals

FIBA Basketball World Cup: Germany Stuns USA in Semifinals

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 took an unexpected turn as Germany delivered a stunning upset, defeating the United States 113-111 in the semifinals. This victory puts Germany on the verge of winning their first-ever world title and leaves the US without a chance to claim the gold medal. For a team that has dominated international basketball in recent years, this defeat raises questions about the state of USA Basketball and the growing competitiveness of other nations.

A Historic Win for Germany

Andreas Obst led the charge for Germany with a game-high 24 points, while Franz Wagner contributed 22 points. This German team accomplished a feat that no other team has managed to achieve against a USA Basketball team featuring NBA players – scoring the most points ever in a game against them. The victory is made even more significant by the fact that Germany was the only undefeated team in the tournament, with a perfect 7-0 record.

A Worthy Championship Contender

Despite the disappointment of the loss, US coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the merit of the German team, stating, “This team is very worthy of winning a championship.” The defeat highlights a trend that USA Basketball has been grappling with over the years – the narrowing gap between the Americans and the rest of the world. While the US has maintained its dominance in the Olympics, winning the last four gold medals, it has now fallen short in two consecutive World Cups.

A Wake-Up Call for USA Basketball

The loss to Germany underscores the need for a reevaluation of USA Basketball‘s approach and the challenges it faces in international competition. Jalen Brunson, guard and captain of the US team, summed it up bluntly, calling the performance “terrible.” The defeat serves as a wake-up call for the program and its players, forcing them to confront the reality that the days of easy victories on the global stage are long gone.

The Changing Landscape of International Basketball

Over the years, the international basketball landscape has transformed, with talent and competitiveness spread across various nations. The notion that the US can simply show up and expect to win has been shattered. The continuity of top international teams, coupled with the increasing quality of players from all corners of the globe, has closed the gap between the US and its competitors.

Serbia, the team that defeated Canada in the other semifinal, will now face Germany in the World Cup final. Serbia, which lost to the US in the 2014 championship game, has made it to their second World Cup final in the last three tournaments. Canada will go up against the US for the bronze medal.

Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities

The US put up a valiant effort to mount a comeback in the final minutes of the game, coming within one point of Germany on two separate occasions. However, the Americans were unable to seize the lead, ultimately falling short. The defensive struggles of Team USA were evident, allowing Germany to shoot 58% from the field, mirroring their own shooting percentage.

USA guard Austin Reaves acknowledged the defensive shortcomings, saying, “If you give up 113 points in a 40-minute game, you’re not going to win many of those.” This loss exposed the vulnerabilities of the US team, emphasizing the need for adjustments in their defensive strategies going forward.

Germany‘s Historic Moment

Germany‘s victory over the US is a historic moment for the country’s basketball program. Coach Gordie Herbert expressed his admiration for the team’s performance, stating, “It’s a special group… One more to go.” The German team’s resilience, cohesiveness, and ability to make critical plays in challenging situations have propelled them to the final.

The Road Ahead

As Germany prepares to face Serbia in the World Cup final, they have the opportunity to etch their names in basketball history. It has been a remarkable journey for a team that entered the tournament with low expectations. Now, they stand on the brink of a significant accomplishment that could transform the trajectory of German basketball.

For USA Basketball, the focus must shift to regrouping and reclaiming their dominance in international competition. The defeat should serve as a catalyst for introspection and a reassessment of their approach. The road to redemption begins with the bronze medal match against Canada. It’s a chance for Team USA to salvage some pride and a reminder that no victory should be taken for granted.