Dirk-inspired Germany makes a statement in FIBA World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Isaac Bonga and Maodo Lo appreciated Dirk Nowitzki's visit to Okinawa during the Germany-Australia game, admitting that he gave the team an extra push.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Dirk Nowitzki was among 6,205 fans who witnessed a hard-fought and crucial German national team's victory against Australia.

Player of the Game EFF 31 Dennis Schroder Points 30 Accuracy 10-19 Rebounds 1 Assists 8

The German basketball legend was visibly cheering for his country, holding his fist in the air after most of Dennis Schroder's baskets in 4th quarter.

Dirk's support wasn't left unnoticed, as Isaac Bonga and Maodo Lo appreciated Nowitzki's visit.

Bonga was amongst Germany's top scorers, finishing the game with 9 points (3/3 2PT, 1/2 3PT), 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 12 EFF.

On top of that, Bonga has done a solid job guarding Josh Giddey. Even though the Australian guard finished the game with 17 points, he went 7 out of 17 from the field and dished only 3 assists.

"I think Dirk's presence did inspire us a little bit," Bonga said with a smile. "Obviously, when something like him is watching the game, it gives you an extra boost and extra confidence. He's a legend."

On top of that, Germany achieved this victory without Franz Wagner. The Orlando Magic youngster hurt his ankle in the opening game against Japan and was ruled out for Sunday's contest.

That's where Maodo Lo stepped in. The 30-year-old was the 2nd-best man on the team, contributing to the win with 20 points (4/4 2PT, 4/8 3PT), 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 18 EFF.

"Of course, it's always nice to see him," Lo talked about Nowitzki's presence at the game. "He's not only a German but also a European basketball legend. He always supports us. I played together with him in 2015, great guy."

Dirk Nowitzki Dennis SchroderCredit FIBA

Australia's national team coach Brian Goorjian, admitted that Lo was the risk he was willing to take but nevertheless appreciated his performance.

Germany / Schedule

Germany Japan81-63 Australia Germany82-85 Germany FinlandTue07:30

"We were worried about their prior games, so we were concerned about their bigs and, obviously, Schroder," Goorjian said. "Lo was tremendous when Schroder was on the bench. We had a strategy to go after him more when Schroder was resting, and he was the one that kept them going. He made big shot after big shot."

"Much respect for those two guards [Schroder and Lo]. Between two of them, they had 50 tonight, and I didn't think I'd be sitting here [thinking] that's how we lost the game because we have pretty good perimeter defenders, and they got their way for this," Goorjian added.

Indeed, it was a 2-man show, as Scroder added 30 points (5/10 2PT, 5/9 3PT, 5/5 FT), 8 assists, 4 steals, and 31 EFF.

How would Lo explain such a good chemistry between them?

"Dennis and I share the court together since 2014 or 2015," Lo said. "Schroder's qualities are unquestionable, he's unbelievably good. I just tried to replicate his aggressiveness and play aggressive."

Another NBA player, Moritz Wagner, also wasn't at his best. The German forward was pretty well contained by the Australians and finished the game with 4 points (1/4 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 3 EFF.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old found other ways to impact the game. Wagner was always full of energy, hustling and screaming into the opponents' faces.

"It's different every night. Sometimes, you have to be more aggressive offensively, sometimes it's the extra stuff," Wagner said about his impact. "Coming off the bench, you have to feel what's necessary and put it on the floor."

"That's the beautiful thing about this national team's dynamic. We don't have a lot of time of figuring it out, and we need everybody," Wagner added.

Even though it's been only two games, it seems that so far, Germany, indeed, has a little bit of everything.

A true leader in Dennis Schroder, role players that can become game-changers on any given night in Maodo Lo, Moritz Wagner, Daniel Theis, and Isaac Bong, among others.

And this Germany team beat such a strong side like Australia without one of its best players. That's a statement, if anything.

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