Germany has made it to the 2023 World Cup semifinals by edging Latvia 81-79 on Wednesday, and could seal its ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France as soon as tonight. With this win, Germany has made it to the World Cup semifinals for the second time ever. In 2002, Dirk Nowitzki led Germany to a bronze medal. Turkish Airlines EuroLeague stars played a big role in this historical victory.
ALBA Berlin center Johannes Thiemann stepped on court with his team trailing 8-16 late in the first quarter. He immediately made things happen with a tip-ín and a pair of free throws in a 9-0 run that turned things around. Thiemann soon scored twice around the basket, and his 8 points in a three-minute span allowed Germany to take the lead at halftime, 36-34.
He was not the only EuroLeague star to step up when the going got tough. Germany's star guard Dennis Schroeder went scoreless before the break, missing all of his 9 shots. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan combo guard Maodo Lo and FC Bayern Munich shooting ace Andreas Obst provided answers, balancing Thiemann's efforts in the paint. Lo had 6 first-half points and Obst added a driving layup and a couple of three-pointers.
