Devastated by Team USA’s loss, Austin Reaves couldn’t help but feel happy for his former teammate Dennis Schroder following Germany’s surprising semifinal victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The Mannschaft shocked the basketball world on Friday evening by defeating Team USA with a score of 113-111, securing their place in the gold medal match for the first time in the tournament’s history at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Schroder and Reaves defended each other at times.
And after the dust had settled, the two shared a warm embrace.
“I mean, yeah, anytime you see one of your brothers succeed, I know how much he cherishes moments like this,” said Reaves just moments after Team USA’s impressive fourth-quarter comeback fell short against the Germans.
Reaves, a 25-year-old rising star, and Schroder, a 10-year NBA veteran, had spent the previous season together with the Lakers. They helped the LeBron James-led squad reach the Western Conference Finals, where they suffered a sweep at the hands of the eventual champion Denver Nuggets, led by Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic.
Despite their separation when Schroder moved to the Toronto Raptors during the offseason, their friendship remained strong.
In fact, Schroder had even attempted to recruit Reaves for the German team, considering that Reaves had German heritage and his brother was playing professionally with Bayern Munich.
In the pivotal semifinal clash, both former teammates delivered exceptional performances for their respective countries.
Reaves teamed up with Anthony Edwards to reduce a 12-point deficit for Germany in the final quarter.
Still, it was Schroder who ultimately sealed the victory for the Germans with a clutch step-back jumper.
As Germany advanced to the gold medal match, where they would face Serbia on Sunday, Team USA and Canada would compete for the bronze medal earlier that day.
Reaves, despite the disappointment of Team USA’s loss, will remain supportive of Schroder in the final.
“Anytime you see your brother being successful, you’re happy for him, obviously. It’s a tough result, but I’m a competitor. Tip your hat to him. I know how special this moment is for him,” added Reaves, showing the depth of their friendship and camaraderie even in the face of intense competition.
