USA v Germany: The best game in FIBA history?

MANILA (Philippines) – Instant classic, game for the ages, pick your superlative. Still, none of them really fits to describe Germany’s 113-111 victory over United States in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals.

Maybe the best description: The greatest game in FIBA history.

“We were able to beat one of the best teams in the world. It was a hell of a battle,” German big man Johannes Thiemann said. “It’s so much fun, I especially like those games. This is what you dream of. This is what you want. You want to perform at a big stage and it doesn’t get bigger than this.”

Franz Wagner couldn’t stop smiling talking to reporters after the game.

“Super happy, crazy feeling once that buzzer finally sounded. Yeah, just super special moment for all of us. I don’t really know what to say,” Wagner said.

The TCL Player of the Game winner Andi Obst added: “I actually have no words for this, to be part of that and what we achieved today. Tonight is just amazing for basketball, for German basketball. It was really tough and it means so much to the group. We fought every second and now we are happy to be in the final.”

Basketball fans will talk about this game for a long time – a game that broke numerous records; featured amazing performances; and had a thrilling ending.

Two teams playing so hard in defense and yet, even better on offense. This was just a marvel to witness, a fantastic basketball game of the purest essence.

Looking past the records, the game also saw some amazing performances – by both individual players and the teams.

Germany had six players score in double figures, topped by Andi Obst’s 24 points – including 4 breath-taking three-pointers, while Franz Wagner poured in 22 and Daniel Theis picked up 21 points and played tough defense inside.

Germany’s execution was otherworldly, shooting 58 percent for the gamed 68 percent on two-pointers. They also committed only 10 turnovers – just 4 in the second half when USA tried pick up their defense.

When one looks at 224 points scored, they could think not much defense was played. But both teams played at highest intensity and it was offensive execution that won out.

In less than 24 minutes midway through the third quarter, Germany had already posted 100 of efficiency rating but USA never broke. They kept coming back and their push was almost decisive at the end of the fourth quarter.

USA were fantastic offensively as well – 58 percent shooting and 65 percent on twos. Anthony Edwards’ shot-making was breathtaking as he scored 23 points and Austin Reaves was a force as well with 21 points. They came so close to turn this game around. On their last possession, USA were still in control of their destiny before they turned the ball over.

Here a look at some of the records the game set

– The first time both teams scored more than 100 points in a knockout round in the main bracket at the FIBA World Cup.
– The most points allowed by USA in a FIBA World Cup game – 113
– Germany’s 113 points are the most ever scored by a team in a Semi-Final at the FIBA World Cup.
– It was the highest scoring first half in a FIBA World Cup Semi-Final – 119 points
– The first time both teams scored 50+ points in the first half of a FIBA World Cup Semi-Final.

Here are some other near records
– With a total of 224 points scored, this is the highest scoring game in the FIBA World Cup since 1994 when USA and Russia combined for 228 total points (137-91).
– The highest scoring first half in the FIBA World Cup since 2002 when New Zealand and Germany combined for 122 points in the bronze medal game.

Which other FIBA games could pretend being “the best ever”?

2008 Olympic Games Final between Spain and USA, won by USA 117-108?

2012 Olympic Games Final between Spain and USA, won by USA 107-100?

1995 EuroBasket Final between Lithuania and FR Yugoslavia, won by FR Yugoslavia 96-90?

Don’t hesitate to go on our social media channels to let us know what you think.

FIBA