BERLIN (GERMANY) - Germany had their full roster available for only the second time this summer as they took on Japan, their first opponent at the Olympics. The final home game of the summer for the World Champions attracted significant attention in the nation's capital, and their heroes delivered a performance that lived up to the hype.
Germany stormed through the game, leaving no doubt about the final outcome as they secured a commanding 104-83 victory.
The story of the game
Andy Obst continued his impressive form from the previous game against the Netherlands, hitting three three-pointers in the opening quarter. Germany dominated the paint, and a late lay-up helped them build a double-digit lead
.Japan struggled in the second quarter, committing turnovers that Germany capitalized on, pushing the lead to 25 points before halftime. The visitors' three-point shooting was below par, finishing 12-30, and they couldn’t mount a comeback in the second half.
Coach Herbert opted to rest Wagner in the final quarter, using a deep rotation and giving the German fans plenty to cheer about as they head into the Olympics.
The player of the game
Franz Wagner, wearing the German jersey, showcases his best self—combining flashiness with strength and a desire for finishing plays through contact. Wagner Jr. is poised to become one of the standout stars of the Olympic basketball tournament. And with a healthy Wagners, Germany is set to be a top medal contender in Paris.
In a stellar performance, Wagner scored 27 points (11-16 FG) and grabbed 8 rebounds, including 2 offensive boards, all in just 20 minutes on the court.
For Japan, Rui Hachimura contributed 19 points in 25 minutes of play.
The stats of the game
Japan will face a size disadvantage against most teams in the Olympic tournament, and Germany is particularly well-positioned to exploit this.
With players like Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder driving aggressively to the basket, combined with a strong frontcourt presence from Daniel Theis and Johannes Thiemann, Germany has the tools to capitalize on this mismatch. In this game, Gordie Herbert’s squad dominated the paint, scoring 50 points in that area.
They also kept their turnovers to just 10, a notable improvement from their preparation games last week.
The takeaways from the game
As expected, Germany's fitness level is approaching its peak, reminiscent of their condition during the FIBA World Cup. With just a week to go before the main event of the summer, this team is eager to prove their doubters wrong once again. The roles within the team are well-adjusted, and they are poised to compete for a top finish in Group B and aim for the medals.
In contrast, Japan still appears to be working on their fitness, which is crucial for their off-ball movement—an essential part of their game plan. Improved physical conditioning will also enhance their ability to implement a full-court press, a key component of their defensive strategy.
Germany will wrap up their summer preparations with a final game against the USA on Monday. Japan's next appearance will be their opening match of the Olympics against Germany on July 27th.
FIBA