Semi-Finals Top Performers: Bogdanovic, Edwards, Obst, Theis and Milutinov

MANILA (Philippines) - Germany and Serbia get their deserved representatives in the Top Performers for the Semi-Finals stage after a couple of thrilling victories got them a spot in the Final on Sunday.

Some guys simply are big game players as Bogdan Bogdanovic showed in Serbia's 95-86 effort against Canada. As if anyone among us needed any further proof… Bogdanovic assisted or scored on every bucket during Serbia's hot 8-1 start and closed the game out for them as well, signing up for a significant FIBA World Cup record in three-pointers made in the process. All in all, it was a 23-point, 4-rebound and 3-assist performance, with 8-of-12 shooting from the field to boot.

Anthony Edwards has the sad benefit of being the only player to reach this list after a loss, with Germany coming out on top in their Semi-Final game against USA by the score of 113-111. 'Ant' was dynamite whenever he reached the paint in a game of 8-of-9 shooting from two-point range that had him leading a USA charge from being down by 12 in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for him, USA didn't get closer than 107-108 and Edwards left the court with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in a loss.

Meanwhile, Andreas Obst had a lot to do with Germany being the victors in this particular classic. The deadly shooting guard was in constant motion through screens and knocked down 4-of-8 three-pointers in a game of 24 points and 6 assists. It was Obst's shot from deep that gave Germany a necessary 111-107 cushion with one minute and 14 seconds remaining. Matter of fact, we have to check whether he's still not out there losing his matchup for another make from downtown.

Daniel Theis did loads of work down low, yet also joined his fellow teammate in the fun with one made three-pointer and a couple of smooth mid-range jump shots. However, the night was much more about his 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting from two-point range and the 7 rebounds he grabbed as Germany recorded a much needed advantage on the glass. Quite the game, in which to achieve a new personal single-game record for points in the World Cup. Same can be said for Obst, of course.

The basketball efficiency gods just can't get enough of Nikola Milutinov. Just like his teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic, the center has made this list for the third time in the World Cup. Milutinov was as wise about using his size as usual with well-timed cuts and some smooth plays on that left block of his. The 16 points and 10 rebounds might not sound like something that impressive, but you have to consider his 6-of-6 shooting from the field. Milutinov is actually at an impossible 71.2% from two-point range for the whole World Cup.

The games were awesome, just as these guys were. However, who was your MVP?

FIBA