Reigning World Champions Germany showed what they’re made of after beating host team France, 85-71, to take Group B’s top spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics basketball tournament in Lille, France. 

Germany showed France why they won the FIBA World Cup last year and became world champions in a masterclass performance. The Germans outplayed the French in virtually every facet of the game, including rebounds, assists, steals, points off turnovers, and points in the paint. 

Germany erected a lead as high as 24 points, 57-33, as they poured it on in the third. Rising NBA star Franz Wagner had a huge highlight when he slammed over three French defenders, drawing ohs and ahs from the crowd and his teammates alike. France had no answers to Germany’s attack with point guard Dennis Schroder surgically operating France’s vaunted twin tower defense Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert.

France found some life in the 4th quarter behind unsung bench hero Isaia Cordinier scoring 10 huge points, including crowd-hyping dunks and show-stopping hustle plays. The French cut the lead to just 10 points until Schroder and Isaac Bonga settled things down for Germany to take the victory. 

Wagner and Schroder were incredible for the World Champions, both scoring 26 points to lead the Germans’ attack. Meanwhile, French phenom Wembanyama once again led the team with 14 points and 12 rebounds, however, he had crucial turnovers that led to momentum-shifting plays for Germany. 

With the win, Germany will end up 1st in Group B while France finishes second. Germany will now face Greece in the quarterfinals while France will draw Canada in another heavyweight matchup for the hosts.