Germany clinched its first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup title, making history by defeating Serbia in a tightly contested gold medal match, finishing with a thrilling 83-77 score.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Germany, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament with an impeccable record of 8-0, solidifying its status as the fifth consecutive World Cup champion to maintain an unblemished run.
The German squad, led by Dennis Schröder, showcased an impressive display of teamwork and skill on the court.
Schröder, the focal point of the offense, led the charge with a remarkable 28 points and added 2 rebounds to his stellar performance.
Equally noteworthy was Franz Wagner, who contributed significantly to the team's success, tallying 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists during the game.
The match was a nail-biter from start to finish, with the score tied at 47 in the middle of the game.
However, it was Germany's formidable defense that turned the tide, as they embarked on a scorching 17-6 run during the third quarter of the finals.
Serbia, refusing to back down, mounted a valiant comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, cutting Germany's 12-point lead down to just 4, with the score at 69-73.
Nevertheless, Germany's resilience prevailed, thanks in part to Schröder's clutch layup with a mere 21 seconds left on the clock, extending its lead to 81-77.
In the wake of its disappointing loss in the gold medal match, Serbia's Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered an outstanding performance with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.
This marks the second time the Serbian team finishes the World Cup in second place, the last being in 2014 against the USA.
Meanwhile, the Canadian squad secured third place in the tournament by defeating Team USA with an impressive final score of 127-118.
As the tournament concludes, here is the full list of final standings for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023:
- Germany (qualified for Paris 2024 as the top-ranked European team)
- Serbia (qualified for Paris 2024 as one of the top two European teams)
- Canada (qualified for Paris 2024 as the best-ranked team from the Americas)
- USA (qualified for Paris 2024 as one of the top two Americas teams)
- Latvia (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Lithuania (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Slovenia (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Italy (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Spain (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Australia (qualified for Paris 2024 as the top-ranked team from Oceania)
- Montenegro (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Puerto Rico (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Brazil (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Dominican Republic (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Greece (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Georgia (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- South Sudan (qualified for Paris 2024 as the best-ranked African team)
- France (qualified for Paris 2024 as hosts)
- Japan (qualified for Paris 2024 as the best-ranked Asian team)
- Egypt (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Finland (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- New Zealand (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Lebanon (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Philippines (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Mexico (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Angola (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Cote d'Ivoire (qualified for Olympic Qualifying Tournaments)
- Cape Verde
- China
- Venezuela
- Iran
- Jordan
