Couldn't find a Basketball World Cup thread so post it here: Wow, Germany just won the World Cup semi-final against top favourites USA with 113-111 and is now for the first time ever in the Basketball World Cup final. Never thought that we could ever beat the US Boys, especially not that far in a tournament although we have some NBA player in the team. Basketball is still only at 4th place in the ranks here in Germany behind Football (#1 with a big margin), Handball and Icehockey. Even if we lose the final against Serbia this is the biggest success in Basketball for Germany. Well done, Guys! Together with the introduction of Germany's most famous Basketballplayer Dirk Nowitzki into the NBA Hall of Fame a few weeks ago these are good months for German Basketball (contrary to our #1 sports )
Germany have definitely been the surprise team, especially since they didn't really have a successor to Dirk, but they've looked very solid. Daniel Theis plays for the NBA team I support, and it's pretty funny how much better he is at the international stage where he casually drops 20 points, versus in the NBA where he struggles to score even 10. Hopefully this marks a step up for him and he can contribute better in the NBA. Serbia for sure is one of the favorites, even without Jokic. The USA's problem is we're sending basically our U-23's for the most part since the likes of LeBron are saving their legs for the NBA and the Olympics. However, I will say I'm proud of the Philippines for looking like very capable hosts during the event! I had a lot of family and friends go to the matches, and they said it was a great atmosphere even though we crashed out pretty early. Beating China in our final match made it somewhat worth it, though
The only time I supported Germany in my entire life not only me but everyone here (for the Banchero situation). I didn’t care much about him, I just wanted to see an USA defeat. Great match and such a good team you have. Well done, I hope you win the final.
Same for me btw when I wanted Italy to win the last Euro in Football. First time ever that I wanted Italy to win something but only because I couldn't stand the endless "It's coming home" when England wins it Yes, actually we have a good Basketball team (3rd place at the last Euro) but Serbia is still favourite for the final even though we beat the USA. Anyway even with a loss this is an immense success for our Basketball (only title we ever won here was the 1993 Euro if I remember it right)
Good news coming out of the USA camp, LeBron, Durant, and Curry all committing to play for team USA in the Olympics. Still need some solid bigs to be there (Adebayo, AD, Zion) as that's been their weak spot, but having the 3 best players in the league committing is very positive. Last ride for those three as well, possibly, so they'll be giving it their all.
I think he's the player who is the perfect mix of old school and modern style of big man. I also think they gotta go with Spoelstra as the head coach. I know Kerr has the better resume, but Spo seems better at getting the most of who he has.
Okay, so Olympic team "commitments" so far seem to be shaping out with this team USA lineup: C - Anthony Davis PF - Kevin Durant SF - LeBron James SG - Devon Booker PG - Steph Curry Bench would have: Tatum, Butler, Bam, Dame, and I think ANT, Haliburton, and Brunson have earned a spot. Then probably Kyrie, Ja(?!), Mitchell, Kawhi, Zion, Fox, Young, Brown, Draymond for some toughness... Plenty to choose from if the stars are willing to go to Paris.
I gave up on basketball a long time ago, so can somebody explain how the Magic are sitting second, instead of their usual circa last place?
All those bottom finishes have given them some top prospects like the Wagners, Banchero, Suggs, etc. They also are seeing Fultz start to realize his potential that people thought was lost in Philly. They're a fun team to watch, they play pretty physical defense, and their age gives them a ton of energy.
It was exciting while it lasted, but looks like the wheels have come off. A couple of mates who play basketball say they reckon they will make playoffs, but have no chance of making the finals, so I guess that is still better than last or thereabouts.
Yeah, it's still early days. I think they're good enough to be in the play-in, but certainly a few years and a couple of players away from being a legit contender. Still a very promising team.
