Germany, France, and Canada have confirmed their places in the knockout stage of the tournament, joining a prestigious list of basketball powerhouses. Each team has demonstrated unique prowess and strategic acumen, making their progression a spectacle for fans globally.
Germany Marches Forward
Germany’s journey to the quarterfinals culminated in a resounding 86-73 victory over Brazil. Led by Dennis Schroder, who posted an impressive 20 points paired with six assists, Germany showcased tactical dominance and scoring efficiency. The win solidified their position and left no doubt about their competitive edge in this tournament. Schroder's leadership and performance underscored Germany’s well-rounded approach to the game, both offensively and defensively.
France Prevails in Overtime Thriller
In another thrilling matchup, France edged out Japan in an overtime clash that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Victor Wembanyama emerged as the hero for France, scoring eight of his 18 points during the critical overtime period. The young star's performance was crucial in securing France's advancement.
Adding to the drama, Matthew Strazel forced overtime with an incredible four-point play with just 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. “We could've easily given up down four with 10 seconds. We had no solution, and we got a crazy shot from Matthew.” said Nicolas Batum. “Sometimes, God is on your side.” The victory highlighted France's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
On the other side, Japan's Yuki Kawamura delivered a standout performance with a game-high 29 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed significantly with 24 points before his ejection. Despite the loss, Japan showcased their tenacity and posed a formidable challenge to the French squad.
Canada Outshines Australia
Canada continued their impressive run with a convincing 93-83 win over Australia. RJ Barrett was the standout performer, leading the team with 24 points on an efficient 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes of play. Coach Jordi Fernandez heaped praise on Barrett, stating, “He's that guy. Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores. That's what he does. Probably, I should be better and call more plays for him, but he finds a way.”
Despite the loss, Australia remains in a strong position, holding second place in Group A. The game showcased Canada’s depth and ability to execute game plans effectively against top-tier competition.
Spain Surpasses Greece
Spain also secured a vital win against Greece, with a final score of 84-77. Giannis Antetokounmpo's stellar performance for Greece, with 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals, wasn’t enough to overcome Spain's cohesive team effort. Dario Brizuela highlighted Spain's collective strength, commenting, “He’s our best player, and he knows it. He played an amazing game, and we’re happy for him.”
The tactical decisions of Spain's coaching staff, particularly their defensive strategies, were crucial in stifling Greece's offensive plays. As Sergio Scariolo explained, “We thought we'd keep it for the very end of the game... Actually, with Luis Gil, our defensive coordinator, we've been talking a lot about doing it at some point, but we decided to keep it for the very end, because I wanted to keep Willy on the floor, his pick-and-roll with Lorenzo [Brown] is a big weapon for us.”
With the knockout stage set, attention now turns to Team USA, who have a crucial matchup against South Sudan that could see them join Germany, France, and Canada in the quarterfinals. The stakes are high, and the anticipation continues to build as the tournament progresses, promising more excitement and unforgettable moments on the court.