(Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Despite having a very interesting pool of NBA talent, Team USA failed — again — to bring home the gold in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Germany played better basketball, proving that fundamentals can sometimes overcome talent.
Toronto Raptors guard Dennis Schroder played like a true superstar, even knocking down a huge dagger over his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Austin Reaves.
Following the game, Reaves and Schroder embraced and gave each other praise and love after that hard-fought battle, showing some true sportsmanship despite being rivals on the court (via Hoop Central).
Austin Reaves x Dennis Schroder after Germany defeated Team USA.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 8, 2023
Schroder and Reaves grew close when the German played for the Lakers, and they had nothing but words of respect and praise for each other leading to this matchup.
Reaves is one of the rising stars of the game, and the Lakers had to let Schroder go despite his contributions to the team, mostly due to salary purposes, especially if they intended to keep Reaves there for the long run.
But it’s clear that there are no hard feelings there.
Now, Reaves and Team USA will have to settle for a chance to play for the bronze medal vs. Canada, who lost to Serbia in another disappointing matchup.
As for Schroder, he’ll look to continue playing the best basketball of his career and helping his team remain undefeated.
Germany and Serbia will square off in what promises to be a must-watch matchup for basketball fans all over the world, even if the teams don’t have the biggest pool of NBA talent in their ranks.
The post Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves Share A Moment After Hard-Fought Game appeared first on The Cold Wire.