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2023 FIBA World Cup: Australia loses close contest to Germany, 85-82

Clemente Almanza
·4 min read

Australia dropped a heartbreaker in their second group game as they lost to Germany, 85-82. The Boomers are now 1-1 in group play.

Down by one point, Josh Giddey had to helplessly watch from the sidelines as Australia failed to score with seven seconds remaining in regulation. The 20-year-old was forced to sit out the massive possession due to FIBA rules not allowing him in after bleeding from the elbow.

Giddey had one more shot at a miracle when he heaved a near-full court 3 as time expired that could’ve potentially forced overtime. Instead, the missed 3 was controversial as Giddey immediately confronted the referees about why it wasn’t a shooting foul.

The questionable officiating decisions capped off a highly entertaining close fourth quarter between two of the better teams in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. A 10-0 run by Germany to start the fourth quarter quickly erased Australia’s four-point lead entering the final frame.

That run was really the turning point of the game, as Germany outscored Australia 23-16 in the fourth quarter to come out with the win. Former Thunder guard Dennis Schroder was excellent in this game as he had 30 points on 10-of-19 shooting and eight assists.

Meanwhile, Giddey turned in a gusty performance after a slow start. In 30 minutes, he had 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, three assists and one rebound. He also went 3-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Thunder teammate Jack White had two rebounds and four turnovers in nine minutes off the bench.

Let’s look at highlights and instant reactions from Australia’s three-point loss.

Story originally appeared on Thunder Wire