Germany, France, and Canada have punched their tickets to the knockout stage, each showcasing their prowess and determination on the international stage. Team USA, currently on the bubble, hopes to secure their place with a crucial win against South Sudan on Wednesday.
Germany's Dominance
Germany solidified their quarterfinal berth with a decisive 86-73 victory over Brazil. Dennis Schroder led the charge, scoring 20 points and handing out six assists. Schroder's stellar performance was a key factor in Germany's success, demonstrating the kind of leadership and skill that can carry a team deep into the tournament.
France's Overtime Thriller
In a nail-biting overtime victory against Japan, France showcased their resilience and skill. Victor Wembanyama was particularly impressive, scoring eight of his 18 points during the overtime period. Matthew Strazel was a hero for forcing the extra time with a dramatic four-point play just 10 seconds before the end of the fourth quarter.
Nicolas Batum, reflecting on the game’s tense closing moments, said, "We could've easily given up down four with 10 seconds. We had no solution, and we got a crazy shot from Matthew." Batum’s sentiment captured the improbability and excitement of the victory, adding, "Sometimes, God is on your side."
For Japan, Yuki Kawamura delivered a standout performance with a game-high 29 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting in just 28 minutes before his ejection. Despite the loss, Japan showed incredible fight and competitiveness, with Josh Hawkinson asserting, "We can fight with any team... To be able to fight until the very end against one of the top teams in the world, that's definitely steps in the right direction for us. No moral victories. We wanted to win."
Canada’s Strong Showing
Canada’s momentum continues with a solid 93-83 win over Australia. RJ Barrett was the driving force behind Canada’s offense, scoring 24 points on efficient 8-for-15 shooting within 25 minutes. This victory places Canada in a strong position moving forward, while Australia remains in second place in Group A.
Commenting on Barrett’s performance, Canada’s head coach Jordi Fernandez noted, "He's that guy. Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores. That's what he does. Probably, I should be better and call more plays for him, but he finds a way." Barrett’s ability to deliver under pressure has been instrumental in Canada’s success thus far.
Despite Canada’s dominance, Australia put up a tough fight. Reflecting on his team’s effort and struggles, Australia’s coach Brian Goorjian said, "The concern coming into the game was their pressure and how we handle their pressure. Even though we had depth in those spots, they wore us down physically, and we really had trouble getting into anything in the second half."
Spain’s Tactical Triumph
Spain secured a critical victory over Greece with an 84-77 scoreline. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force for Greece, tallying an impressive 27 points, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. However, Spain's strategic play and depth ultimately held strong.
Dario Brizuela, lauding the team’s standout performer, remarked, "He’s our best player, and he knows it. He played an amazing game, and we’re happy for him." Spain's coach, Sergio Scariolo, shared insights into their tactical approach, "We thought we'd keep it for the very end of the game... Actually, with Luis Gil, our defensive coordinator, we've been talking a lot about doing it at some point, but we decided to keep it for the very end, because I wanted to keep Willy on the floor, his pick-and-roll with Lorenzo [Brown] is a big weapon for us."
As the competition heats up, the knockout stage promises more intense matchups and memorable moments. With Germany, France, and Canada already through, the focus shifts to which teams will join them in the final stages of this thrilling international showdown.