Germany, France, and Canada have each secured their place in the knockout stage, showcasing prowess and determination in their respective matches. Team USA is poised to join them, with one last hurdle to clear: a decisive game against South Sudan on Wednesday. This year’s format allows the top two teams from each group to advance, along with the two best-performing third-place finishers.
Germany's Commanding Victory
Germany's path to the quarterfinals was sealed with a compelling 86-73 win over Brazil. The game was marked by an impressive performance from Dennis Schroder, who led the charge with 20 points and six assists. Germany's robust showing not only demonstrated their offensive capabilities but also their defensive fortitude, effectively stifling Brazil’s efforts to mount a comeback.
France's Overtime Triumph
In another riveting encounter, France emerged victorious in overtime against Japan. Victor Wembanyama was particularly instrumental, scoring eight of his 18 points during the overtime period. The game saw a dramatic twist when Matthew Strazel forced the overtime with a four-point play, leaving only 10 seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter. Reflecting on this critical moment, French player Nicolas Batum remarked, “We could've easily given up down four with 10 seconds. We had no solution, and we got a crazy shot from Matthew." He added, “Sometimes, God is on your side.”
For Japan, Yuki Kawamura delivered a stellar performance with a game-high 29 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed significantly with 24 points before his ejection from the game after 28 minutes on the court. Despite the loss, Japan showed resilience and competitiveness, leading Josh Hawkinson to state, “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 Dominance Over Australia
Canada's 93-83 win against Australia cemented their status as strong contenders in the tournament. RJ Barrett led Canada's scoring efforts with 24 points, shooting 8-for-15 over 25 minutes, showcasing why he remains a pivotal figure for the team. In contrast, Australia holds the second-place spot in Group A, illustrating the competitive level of the group stage.
Coach Jordi Fernandez had high praise for Barrett, remarking, "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.” This statement underscores Barrett’s natural scoring instinct and adaptability on the court.
Spain's Tactical Victory
Spain also advanced by overcoming Greece with an 84-77 victory. The match saw an outstanding performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 27 points and contributed with 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Despite Giannis's efforts, Spain’s cohesive gameplay and strategic execution carried them through.
Their coach, Sergio Scariolo, elaborated on the strategic decisions made during the game, explaining, “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.” This comment highlights the meticulous planning and tactical acumen that underpinned Spain’s successful performance.
The tournament continues to thrill fans worldwide, with top teams demonstrating their skills, strategies, and spirited determination. As the knockout stage looms, the excitement only intensifies, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the championships.