August 8, 2024, 8:36 PM
The tension in the Bercy Arena was palpable. With one minute remaining in the game, and France holding a 13-point lead, the atmosphere had been electric. But in a sudden shift, the lead began to slip away. <a href="https://time.news/germany-keeps-its-chance-for-the-olympic-games/" title="Germany keeps its chance for the Olympic Games”>Dennis Schröder orchestrated a German comeback, narrowing the gap to just four points.
Moments later, France conceded another basket, and the Germans focused their attention on Mathias Lessort. He responded with one of his two successful throws. The ball was in German hands once more. Franz Wagner, standing two meters behind the three-point line, rose above Wembanyama’s defense and drained the ball. The Germans now held a two-point advantage.
On the sideline, legendary player Dirk Nowitzki stood beside Tony Parker, offering words of encouragement. “We can expect it,” Frank Ntilikina recalled. “It’s the Germans. Wagner is a talented player. We need to maintain our composure and finish the game effectively.” The coach and players seemed to heed his advice, maintaining their composure and securing the victory.