Author: Monojit Mandal
In a thrilling encounter during today’s FIBA World Cup final, Germany secured its first title by defeating Serbia 83-77.
Serbia showed resilience, regaining the lead and prompting Germany to call a time-out after an incredible three-point basket by Bogdan Bogdanovic. The score was 42-38 at that point. The intense battle ended in a 47-47 draw at half-time, marking only the second time in World Cup history that this has happened.
TCL Player of the Game Franz Wagner stepped up when it counted the most to help seal Germany’s status as World Champions! 💪
📊 19 PTS | 7 REB | 3 STL | 19 EFF#FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland 🇩🇪 | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/5PAC5AX324
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023
Germany took the lead with a 15-4 run in the third quarter, establishing an 11-point advantage at 64-53. The team maintained this advantage in the fourth quarter.
Aleksa Avramovic became the focal point in the fourth quarter, executing two plays and committing an offensive foul when Serbia seemed to be losing momentum. However, Avramovic rekindled Serbia’s hopes with two three-pointers and three crucial free throws. With just 1:21 to go, the score was 78-75.
DENNIS SCHRÖDER! CLUTCH 🗡️#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/EdvXcpUhVL
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023
At a critical moment, when Isaac Bonga lost possession of the ball, Marko Guduric missed a three-point shot that could have tied the game. Taking advantage of the moment, Dennis Schroder scored a crucial basket with just 21 seconds remaining. As the game drew to a close, Serbia made mistakes and Schroder’s two decisive free throws sealed Germany’s historic victory.
Throughout the tournament, Germany had an impressive record, defeating strong teams like Australia, Slovenia and Team USA en route to their first FIBA World Cup title.
MOMENTS LIKE THIS 🏆🥹#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/xXIEiuT61U
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023
This achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for the German team, especially considering their 18th place in the 2019 World Cup. Dennis Schroder led the team with 28 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
Franz Wagner contributed 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Johannes Voigtmann played a key role in limiting Nikola Milutinov to just 2 points and 4 rebounds, as well as scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
In the match for third place, the Canadian team beat the USA in overtime – 127:118 (34-25, 27-31, 33-26, 20-29, 16-7). At the moment, the bronze medals are the Canadians’ greatest achievement at the World Championships.