The FIBA World Cup semifinal will see Team USA face Germany for a place in the final. It will also see stars like Austin Reeves and Dennis Schroder go against each other. These players were exceptional in helping the Lakers finish strongly in the 2022-23 season and ensured the burden was not totally on their superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. So it will be exciting to see them fight it out for their nations.
However Schroder has joined the Toronto Raptors for the upcoming 2023-24 season and this will be his opportunity to prove his mettle against his former teammate, Reeves. He reveals that he admires Reeves and has a lot of love for the youngster. “That’s my guy. I’ve got nothing but love for him,” said Schroder after Germany’s win over Latvia. “Last year was special in what we accomplished as teammates. I’m looking forward to it.
Schroder averaged 12.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds during his time with the Lakers. While Reeves averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds.
In the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the point guard has been a massive role for Germany. He has registered 18.0 points, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Reeves has also worked hard for Team USA averaging 11.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
Schroder had an off day at the office against Latvia as he shot a paltry 4-18 from the field. However, Germany still won the game and comfortably moved on to the semifinals. Schroder called it the worst game of his career and lauded his teammates for stepping up on the night and bailing him out on a very tough outing.
“That’s probably the worst game I’ve ever played in my career but we’re still in the semi-finals,” said Schroder. “Shoutout to all these guys in the locker room who helped me win this game. That’s the reason we are all together. It’s a special team.”
Apart from Schroder, Germany has players like Franz Wagner, who was their top scorer 16 points along with eight rebounds and three assists while his brother Moritz Wagner tallied with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals. Daniel Theis also played his part with nine points and eight boards.
So it won’t be a walk in the park for Team USA as the match is scheduled for September 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena
