In a tournament marked by stellar performances and unwavering determination, the German team emerged as champions, capping off an undefeated run with an impressive 8-0 record.
The matchup between Germany and Serbia was an intense battle from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. The two teams went neck and neck in the first half, heading to the locker rooms deadlocked at 47 points apiece. However, it was in the second half that Germany pulled away, ultimately seizing the championship.
Germany's veteran point guard, Dennis Schröder, played a pivotal role in securing the victory, leading the scoring charge with an impressive 28 points. His contributions on both ends of the floor were crucial, as he not only delivered points but also played tenacious defense. Despite being more of a scorer than a creator in this crucial match, Schröder's impact was undeniable.
The versatile offensive threat, Franz Wagner, also shone brightly for Germany, adding 19 points to the scoreboard. Big man Johannes Voigtmann made his presence felt with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and a crucial block. Notably, Voigtmann's defensive efforts limited Nikola Milutinov, one of the competition's dominant big men, to a mere 2 points and 4 rebounds.
The contest remained fiercely contested throughout the game, with momentum swinging back and forth. Serbia briefly held a lead in the first quarter, but Germany quickly regained control.
Bogdan Bogdanovic's early scoring surge for Serbia was electric, amassing 17 points in the first half, including three successful three-pointers. However, the Atlanta Hawks veteran couldn't maintain his rhythm in the second half.
The turning point of the match came in the third quarter when Germany embarked on a crucial 15-4 run, establishing an 11-point lead (64-53). Schroder, with nine of his 28 points, played a pivotal role in limiting Serbia's offensive output to just 10 points in that period.
As the game entered its final quarter, Serbia's Aleksa Avramovic, who finished with 21 points, ignited a comeback effort, hitting layups, forcing an offensive foul, and sinking two late-second three-pointers.
With only 1:21 left on the clock, the margin had shrunk to just three points, 78-75. Nevertheless, Serbia's Marko Guduric missed a wide-open three-pointer from the corner that could have tied the game with 56 seconds remaining.
In the crucial moments, Schröder sealed the deal with a clutch layup, leaving only 21 seconds on the clock. Germany then secured the victory with a pivotal defensive stop.
Germany's road to the championship was marked by impressive victories over formidable opponents, including Australia, Slovenia, and Team USA. Their undefeated journey culminated in a historic FIBA World Cup title, a remarkable achievement for a team that finished 18th in the standings just four years prior.
For Serbia, it was a hard-fought battle resulting in a second-place finish, reminiscent of their runner-up position in the 2014 World Cup in Spain.
As the final buzzer sounded in the Philippines, Germany's jubilant celebrations painted a picture of triumph and unity, etching their names in the annals of basketball history as the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions.
Watch the Germany vs. Serbia game highlights from the Final of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Video from YouTube Channel of FIBA