Franz Wagner scored 18 points as Germany bounced back from a slow start to beat Greece 76-63 on Tuesday and reach the Olympics semifinals for the first time.
Dennis Schroder added 13 points and eight assists for the World Cup champions, who will play the winner of the France and Canada game on Thursday. Germany’s best previous finish at the Olympics was seventh place in 1992.
Germany remains unbeaten at the Paris Games, having won all three of their group stage games.
Wagner mentioned that he and his teammates have not needed extra motivation while in France.
“I think everybody on the team knows that we’ve got a special group, and I want to get the most out of this,” Wagner said. “Obviously, last year was special but we’re trying to continue that and hopefully keep that momentum going forward.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 points for Greece, which missed out on its first semifinals appearance in Antetokounmpo’s first Olympics.
Greece had 15 turnovers, which allowed Germany to score 20 points off those mistakes.
“There were a lot of details in this (game) they get you punished. They get you beat,” said Greece’s Thomas Walkup, who scored 12 points.
Wagner came into the quarterfinals averaging 22 points per game but had a tough start. Greece led by 12 points at one point, marking the first time Germany had trailed by 10 or more points in the tournament.
However, Germany adjusted and had a strong third quarter, taking a seven-point lead into the final period. They began the fourth quarter with a 13-5 run, extending their lead to 72-57 with 1:50 left.
Germany coach Gordon Hebert said switching to a bigger lineup and increasing defensive adjustments were effective after halftime.
