Germany beat North American NBA star Shay Gilgos Alexander last Wednesday in a friendly match in Berlin 86-81. Germany led in the first half but crumbled in the third quarter and nearly fell out of favor in the win. “They will have more pace, more experience and play more intensely. It will be a different game,” said international Mudu Lu.
On Saturday in the Super Cup semi-final, Canada clearly beat New Zealand by 107:76 (67:38), before the German Basketball Association (DBB) decided to edge China by 107:58 (49:23). The national coach seemed satisfied after that. Herbert said: “We fixed some things we weren’t happy with against Canada. We don’t trust them. It’s a big problem.”
Meanwhile, the 64-year-old will likely have to replace playmaker Justus Holatz in the final, who is still suffering from a horse kiss. However, looking forward to the World Cup in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, the coach said: “We hope he recovers fully and will be in Japan.”
After the Super Cup, the national team players had two days off before returning to Abu Dhabi for two more friendlies against Greece and the United States (August 19/20). The World Cup (until September 10) for Germany begins on August 25 in Okinawa against hosts Japan. The other two opponents in the tough preliminary group are Australia and Finland.
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