Ex-Atlanta Hawks guard comes up huge in double OT win in EuroBasket
If there was any doubt that ex-Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder belonged in the NBA then this was surely dispelled by his latest performance in EuroBasket. To put it into perspective, the point guard struggled a little in the first game which his team won, and then was dynamic in the second game, also a win.
However, Schroder stepped it up a notch in the third game against the Domantas Sabonis-led Lithuanian team. While Schroder had 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and a steal in just over 40 minutes of game time.
He was also more efficient than he has been in the first two games. He went 10-of-27 from the floor, including a woeful 2-of-10 from beyond the long line. He also missed a free throw which is rare for Schroder, going 3-of-4 from the line.
It was when Ex-Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder scored which was important.
So, to set the scene, scores were tied at 89 apiece at the end of regulation. Then both teams scored seven points in the first period of overtime. Schroder scored five of these including the tying bucket which sent the game into the second overtime. He was able to draw a foul on a drive which resulted in a 3-point play.
The German national team then put up 13 points in the second overtime including another five from Schroder. He made one of his two attempts from deep and also made another two free throws. Fortunately, his teammates also stepped up which allowed Germany to take the win.
Ten points when it counts as well as having the courage to take the 3-point shot when he had been missing them all game shows who Schroder is. What makes this game even more impressive is that it was the second of a back-to-back and they were still able to come away with the win.
This leaves Germany as the only unbeaten team in the group after Slovenia went down to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team that Germany beat in the previous game. There is a chance that Schroder will indeed lead his team deep into the tournament as hoped, particularly if Franz Wagner is able to contribute 32 points and eight rebounds again.