By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Germany coach Gordon Herbert will form a plan to limit Giannis Antetokounmpo’s action ahead of the EuroBasket quarterfinal game (13/9, 20.30 CET) of his national team against Greece while being aware that stopping the Greek Freak is easier said than done.
When asked about which elements will decide the game’s outcome, Herbert mentioned three specifically: “No. 1: Defensive transition is going to be very important,” he said. “No. 2 is if we can contain Giannis. I don’t know how yet. Hopefully tomorrow, I’ll figure it out a little bit. No. 3 is to come out and play our game.”
The Czech Republic managed to make its “Wall” work on Giannis during the first half when the Milwaukee Bucks superstar had four points on just one basket. Things turned completely upside down after the break when Antetokounmpo scored 23 to lead Greece to win.
“We’re playing against one of the best teams in the world with one of the best players in the world,” Herbert said.
Germany had a couple of absences from Monday’s practice since forward Franz Wagner (ankle) and big man Johannes Voigtmann (cold) were out. Guard Nick Weiler-Babb rejoined training after being sidelined vs. Hungary and Montenegro but is still questionable, according to Herbert.
“This is a tournament of survival a little bit,” Herbert said. “Nobody practiced today. We are down to nine guys and we’ll see what the situation is tomorrow. I can’t tell you now.”
Germany finished the Group stage with a 4-1 record and then beat Montenegro to move to the Top 8. Herbert emphasized on his team’s chemistry as the top weapon of Germany in this tournament, echoing similar comments by Dennis Schroder.
“Our team chemistry has been really good,” Herbert said. “Our commitment to the program. And then we have good individual players also.”
On the other Tuesday (13/9, 17.15 CET) semifinal game, Spain will face Lauri Markkanen’s Finland who had on Sunday one of the best ever scoring performances in Eurobasket history.