Germany could not make a profit even from a curious failure by Baynes
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Danilo Barthel trying to stop the Australian Nic Kay
Source: AP / Aris Messinis
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Gold candidate Australia was a size too big for the German basketball players. The opponent had to replace center Aron Baynes at short notice, but in the end won confidently. Despite the second defeat, the German team has the best chances of the first Olympic quarter-finals since 1992.
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Robin Benzing let his frustration run free in the second quarter. After some unfortunate actions, the captain of the German basketball team angrily kicked a ball cart aside after a substitution. A few meters away, a volunteer winced in shock. That afternoon, Benzing had to be dissatisfied not only with himself but with the entire team.
The players of national coach Henrik Rödl missed it in the 76:89 (40:44) against Australia to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic basketball tournament on their own for the first time since 1992. Even 17 points from the strong Andreas Obst were not enough against the highly traded opponent. “In the end we lost our concept a bit. We should have been more focused because we knew that every point counts for progress, ”criticized Danilo Barthel after the game.
The Australians had to cope with a painful and curious failure. After Aron Baynes, the 118 kilogram center of the Toronto Raptors, was slightly injured in the game against Italy, a “series of unfortunate circumstances” occurred at the team hotel, according to David Hughes. According to the Australian team doctor, the 34-year-old slipped in the bathroom and injured his neck. For him the games are over.
Against Germany, Baynes saw some chaotic scenes unfold on the floor of the Saitama Super Arena in the first few minutes. Both teams looked nervous, often lost the ball and were happy when their throws hit the ring. Towards the end of the first quarter, Germany in particular came into play better: Maodo Lo scored at 16:10 (8th).
Australians have to do without their biggest star in Tokyo
A good start against the Australians, who are among the medal candidates at the Olympics. In preparation, the men in the bright yellow jerseys even defeated the USA. Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz) said confidently after the 93:81 in Las Vegas one came in expectation to win. At the World Cup two years ago, the team around its leader Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs) was already enthusiastic and only failed in the semifinals against eventual winners Spain.
With his throwing power, Mills also ensured that Australia led 44:40 at halftime. The German team, on the other hand, could not build on the good performances from the first two games. The Australians compete in Tokyo without their biggest star. Ben Simmons decided not to go to Japan.
In return, Mills flashed his class in the first minutes after the break. In just a few minutes, the 34-year-old development player increased the Australians’ lead to 50:40. Among other things, two threes from fruit equalized the game again. After that, however, the Australians were no longer behind and steadily expanded their lead in the final quarter.
Germany was already third in the group before the game, but will only make it to the quarter-finals if the USA win against the Czech Republic by more than two points in the evening. Even then, the selection of the German Basketball Association in Tokyo would come third in Group B into the round of the top eight and meet the winner of Group A (France) or C (Slovenia or Spain) in Japan on Tuesday. The draw will take place on Sunday.
