Contending athletes set for the conclusive Super Cup match in basketball
Germany's preparations for the upcoming EuroBasket 2022 tournament have been marked by a strong warm-up phase. The team, coached by Alex Mumbru, has won three games in EuroBasket preparation, all against strong opponents. However, they suffered a loss in a friendly match against Serbia, which served as a key tune-up fixture, much like a Supercup challenge.
The team's performance in the friendly was not without its challenges. Daniel Theis, a veteran center, struggled with agility and fitness during the game and had trouble defensively against Alperen Sengun. Despite this, Theis remained a notable presence on the court.
On the other hand, NBA rookie Franz Wagner and team captain Dennis Schröder shone brightly. Wagner scored 17 points in the game against an unspecified opponent, while Schröder posted an impressive 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in another preparation game.
The German national team is still missing key players Johannes Voigtmann, Maodo Lo, and David Kramer due to illness or injury. Despite these absences, the team's roster for EuroBasket 2022 features a blend of experienced and rising talents. Notably, Daniel Theis remains part of the squad, providing valuable experience to the younger players.
Germany took the lead at 44:43 in the third quarter of the Supercup match against Serbia. The game remained exciting until the last minute, ending in a close score of 73:71, with Germany securing the victory after a poor first half.
The game was played in Munich, Germany, and was attended by Gordon Herbert, the coach of the gold-winning team in the 2021 World Championship and now head coach of FC Bayern. Niels Giffey, who was part of the gold-winning team in the 2021 World Championship, was honoured before the game, but is no longer playing for the national team.
Justus Hollatz stated that Germany was not playing at the desired pace, while Johannes Thiemann noted that the team started the game lethargically but found enough energy to win.
After the Supercup, the German national team will have two test games against title defender Spain before traveling to Finland for the EuroBasket. The team aims to surpass its 2022 bronze medal success on home soil, and the preparations reflect a well-structured campaign with key players present and match-ready.
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During the Supercup match, NBA rookie Franz Wagner showcased his skills, scoring 17 points against an unspecified opponent, while team captain Dennis Schröder continued to impress with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in another preparation game. Despite Daniel Theis' struggle with agility and fitness during the friendly against Serbia, he still managed to be a notable presence on the court for the German national team.
