The word failure keeps returning to mind for the United States basketball team, at least through the 2024 Paris Games. Steve Kerr would coach and participate in this World Cup to reclaim the crown that slipped away in Beijing in 2019, a tournament he would push aside by moving the game through the back door. Germany, at 111-113, is making history in multiple ways. They reached the first final in the competition, a landmark European final against Serbia, and are writing another challenging page in the annals of American basketball that once seemed unbeatable for NBA stars.
The second semifinal delivered a relentless offensive showcase where both teams moved the ball with speed and confidence, producing a game with spectacular scoring momentum. In Germany, six players reached double digits. Andreas Obst emerged as a surprising hero with 24 points, supported by Franz Wagner with 22, teis with 21, and Schroder at 17. For the United States, only Edwards could match that level of scoring, finishing with 23.
Andreas Obst ignited the German effort, pushing the USA to reach the Finals and earning TCL Player of the Game honors.
24 points | 6 assists | 16:00 minutes | 15:00 | 24 efficiency points | #FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/eosGITNAlb
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
US players were noted for their comfort in passing, their willingness to turn the ball over, and their ability to deliver two quick passes to the basket. Germany, taking a more versatile approach, showed that embracing those rules could work in their favor, especially due to the playmaking style of the quarterback on the court. Schroder, aided by the physical presence of Franz Wagner and Daniel Theis, managed the floor effectively.
The Canadian coach Gordon Herbert led the United States to expect resistance rather than surrender, a stance that positioned the favorite team as a challenging rival from the start. The plan relied on stronger defense, efficient shooting, solid rebounding, and a game plan designed to counter a long lineup.
They opened an unexpected 15-25 lead early as Kerr was forced to shuffle the lineup. Edwards took charge of the response and made clear this World Cup would be driven by his leadership. He connected with Michal Bridges, and the duel soon turned into a high-stakes clash. The United States briefly led at halftime, 60-59, but Germany kept its composure and did not lose belief in the match.
Germany stunned the United States in a high-scoring instant classic to advance to the finals! #FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland pic.twitter.com/YVSF0TBEW8
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
Obst, X factor
The script did not change much in the reboot; Germany seized the initiative and kept the tempo higher, always staying one step ahead as they found the keys to disrupt the USA. The German squad excelled at rebounding and consistently found teammates to support a high-percentage offense. Andreas Obst, a sharp-shooting guard now in Bayern, proved pivotal. Franz Wagner, seen as a contemporary to Nowitzki in German basketball, and Schroder delivered standout performances. For the United States, Edwards and Reaves carried the offense, and by the end of the third quarter the European lead had grown to 84-94.
The pressure intensified in the final stretch as the United States pressed forward, each possession weighing heavily. Kerr tightened the rotations while Germany maintained discipline, continuing to attack and shoot with precision, keeping the United States on the defensive and shaping a historic final for the sport.
United States of America: Brunson (15), Hart (9), Bridges (17), Edwards (23), Jackson (8) – top five. Haliburton (7), Johnson (0), Banchero (6), Portis (5), Reaves (21).
12 out of 25 trios (Reaves, 43), 28 rebounds, 7 turnovers (Edwards, 8), 25 assists (Brunson, 7).
Germany: Schröder, Obst (24), F. Wagner (22), Theis (21), Voigtmann (6) – starting five – Bonga (3), Lo (0), Giffey (0), M. Wagner (10), Thiemann (10).
13 out of 30 triads (Obst, 4), 30 rebounds, 12 turnovers (Voigtmann, 7), 30 assists (Schroder, 9).
partial: 31-33; 29-26; 24-35; 27-19