Despite a game-high 20 points from point guard Dennis Schröder, Germany lost to the Dominican Republic (68-70). Uncharacteristically inefficient nights from Schröder (who went just 5-18 from the field though getting to the line 12 times), along with many of his teammates ultimately doomed them in the end, bringing Germany’s record to 0-2 in group play.
Though he would shoot just 6-16 (37.5 percent) from the field, Boston Celtics big man Daniel Theis had himself a solid game with 12 points, eight rebounds and five steals for Germany. However, his defensive positioning was often questionable and he missed all four of his attempts from behind the line, adding to the team’s eyesore three-point percentage (15.8 percent).
The Dominican national team didn’t fare much better against Germany from long-distance, shooting just 27.3 percent from deep. However, they shot 52.5 percent from from inside the line, evidence of Germany’s poor rotations and interior defense.
Shooting guard Victor Liz and center Eloy Vargas scored 17 points (on 7-14 shooting from the field) and 16 points (on 7-10 shooting from the field) respectively to lead the Dominican Republic.
A 35.2 percent shooter from three for his career in the NBA, had Theis made just one three — a feat he’s well capable of — then they would likely have emerged with their first win of the group phase.
