The excitement is building as a pair of former Wolverines stand on the brink of history, one win away from guiding their country to its very first Olympic basketball medal. The dynamic duo of Franz and Moe Wagner, who once dazzled in maize and blue, are now representing Germany in a high-stakes semifinal showdown against host nation France.
Mark your calendars for Thursday at 11:30 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local time), because that’s when the action heats up on the court. You can catch this thrilling matchup on USA Network, Peacock, and nbcolympics.com. It’s going to be a game you won’t want to miss.
Germany’s Path to Glory
Germany earned their spot in this crucial game after a decisive 76-63 victory over Greece on Tuesday. The game took place at the Accor Arena in Paris, and Franz Wagner was a standout performer with 18 points, proving once again why he’s one of the tournament’s top players. Moe Wagner also made his mark with eight points, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, and contributing five rebounds. On the Greek side, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo led his team with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop Germany's advance.
A High-Stakes Rematch
This win sets up a tantalizing rematch with France, led by the towering Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year. The last time these two teams clashed, Germany came out on top in the group stage, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record. They also secured victories over Brazil and Japan, showing their strength and determination.
Germany has never clinched an Olympic basketball medal, and a win against France would not only end that long-standing drought but also secure a place in the gold-medal game. They’ll face the winner of the other semifinal, which pits the United States against Serbia. The losers of these semifinal matchups will compete for the bronze medal, adding an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings.
Franz and Moe Wagner: A Family Affair
Let’s dive into the stats and stories of the Wagner brothers, who have been pivotal in Germany’s journey. Franz Wagner is currently the leading scorer left in the tournament, averaging an impressive 20.8 points per game (fourth overall). He’s shooting 50 percent from the field, 20 percent from beyond the arc, and an excellent 88 percent from the free-throw line. His scoring prowess has been a key factor in Germany’s success.
Moe Wagner, making his second Olympic appearance, is contributing 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Moe’s journey through basketball is notable—he played for three seasons at Michigan, leading them to the 2018 national championship game during his junior year. His time at Michigan, combined with his strong performance in this Olympic campaign, highlights his growth as a player.
Franz also has a solid connection to Michigan, having spent two years there and playing a crucial role in helping the Wolverines win the Big Ten and reach the 2021 Elite Eight. The brothers’ shared history with Michigan and their current success with the Orlando Magic—where they’ve been teammates for the past three seasons and recently signed contract extensions—adds a personal touch to their Olympic story.
The Big Picture
As the semifinal approaches, Germany is considered a slight favorite over France. Meanwhile, the United States remains the clear favorite to capture gold, reflecting their dominant performance throughout the tournament. However, with the intensity of Olympic basketball and the talent on display, anything can happen.
Catch the Action
Don’t forget to tune in to see how this thrilling semifinal unfolds. With Germany’s impressive run, the Wagner brothers’ stellar performances, and the high stakes of Olympic basketball, this game promises to be a rollercoaster of excitement. Will Germany break their Olympic medal drought? Can the Wagner brothers lead their team to victory? Make sure you’re watching to find out.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the world will be watching as Germany and France battle it out for a chance at Olympic glory.
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