Dennis Schroder had an evening to neglect within the FIBA quarterfinals in opposition to Latvia however Germany advance to play USA and Schroder’s former Lakers teammate Austin Reaves within the semi-finals.
Often, the factors movement fairly simply for Schroder however issues didn’t go his approach in opposition to Latvia.
He managed simply 9 factors on 4-26 pictures, one rebound, 4 assists and recorded 4 of the group’s eight turnovers.
It was a far cry from his standard 22.1 factors, 2.3 rebounds and seven.1 assists that he’s averaged on the FIBA match to this point.
The 29-year-old signed with the Raptors as a free agent in July however he hasn’t forgotten about his man Reaves in LA and the wild playoffs run they skilled final season.
“That’s my man man,” Schroder stated of Reaves. “I ain’t bought nothing however love for him. He’s my man. Final yr was particular, what we achieved as teammates and yeah, I’m trying ahead to it.”
The matchup between USA and Germany looks like a mismatch on paper, for the reason that US have 12 NBA gamers to Germany’s 4.
However Germany’s unbeaten run within the FIBA match reveals they’re one of many favorites to take residence a medal.
They have been additionally bolstered by Franz Wagner in opposition to Latvia, who couldn’t have made his return at a greater time.
With Schroder struggling, his teammate Wagner took issues into his personal arms and scored 17 factors to go along with eight rebounds and three assists within the slim win.
The Orlando ahead hadn’t performed since Germany’s opening spherical in opposition to Japan the place he injured his ankle.
So with him within the lineup, the Germans might be much more formidable.
Nevertheless, the USA have had a really sturdy marketing campaign themselves, solely shedding one sport in a shock upset to Lithuania.
Reaves has been a strong contributor off the bench as he averages 11 factors, 2.5 rebounds and three assists.
USA bought the higher of Germany in an exhibition sport, which they gained 99-91 however now the stakes are a lot larger.
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