When Toronto Raptors point guard Dennis Schroder started his 2023 FIBA World Cup journey, Germany was regarded as a solid, organized team that had a good chance of making it out of the group stages. The Germans have defied all odds thanks to Schroder’s tremendous play.
Not only did Germany pull off an unblemished 6-0 mark before the semifinals, but Schroder helped the team orchestrate a miraculous upset of the United States to make it to the gold medal game. Their opponent would be Bogdan Bogdanovic and a Serbia team who blitzed through their round of games with ease.
The Germans ended up winning the gold medal in a low-scoring, hard-nosed affair, beating Serbia 83-77 to cap off a perfect run through the tournament. Schroder was the leader of the squad recently crowned as the best national team in the world, and he showed up when his team needed it the most.
Schroder led all scorers with 28 points on 9-17 shooting as Germany was able to overcome a cold-shooting second half and take home the gold medal. Between Schroder winning it all and Canada ending up with the bronze medal, the Raptors fanbase has to be overjoyed with how this competition went.
Just too quick and shifty ⚡️ #FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/QPgHddGmch
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 10, 2023
Toronto Raptors PG Dennis Schroder stunningly wins FIBA World Cup
Schroder didn’t do this alone. Brothers Moritz and Franz Wagner provided solid interior scoring for most of the tournament, while Pacers center Daniel Theis was right in the heart of the paint. Schroder and former Raptors wing/guard hybrid Isaac Bonga were in charge of getting the backcourt to perform well.
It’s no wonder Schroder thought this German team was the best squad he ever played on.
With a lack of NBA-caliber scoring in the backcourt and the younger Wagner missing some time with an ankle injury, it was Schroder who stepped up and made sure the German offense could stand up to some of the best players in the world. The finishing skills Masai Ujiri coveted were on display all tournament long.
Anthony Edwards, Lauri Markkanen, and the mighty Luka Doncic were just a handful of the terrific players that Schroder and the Germans managed to beat into submission in this tournament. Schroder will not join his Raptors teammates fresh off international glory, which should help restore the vibes at the OVO Center.
Schroder was named MVP of the tournament after averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
FIBA World Cup MVP:
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) September 10, 2023
Toronto Raptors guard Dennis Schroder.
While Schroder won’t be the primary offensive option for the Raptors, his play with Germany has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that his skills have not diminished. Schroder teaming with names like Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam might be enough to breathe life into the Raptors’ offense.