Originally posted on FanNation All Pacers
By Tony East
Indiana Pacers center Daniel Theis and the Germany Men’s basketball team finished their exhibitions ahead of the FIBA World Cup with a 3-1 record.
Theis had a strong start in the first half of the friendlies, averaging 13.5 points per game in a pair of wins. He was particularly impressive in a victory over Canada. Germany is one of the better teams heading into the World Cup.
Over the past weekend, Theis and co had two tune-up matches in Abu Dhabi. They dueled with Greece and Team USA, two teams with NBA talent.
The Pacers big man looked effective in both outings. The first one was on August 19 against Greece, and Theis paced all Germany players with 15 points. His mid-post jumper was working well, and he was finishing plays around the rim. He shot 7/10 in the game and added seven rebounds.
His impressive statistical night was cut short, however, as Theis fouled out in the third quarter. Still, Germany went on to win 84-71.
To that point, the German squad had yet to lose an exhibition. But the very next day, they took on Tyrese Haliburton and Team USA, their toughest opponent yet. They would need to play at their best to take down the red, white, and blue.
Theis was excellent early, helping the Germans take the lead. With 3:43 to go in the third frame, they led the USA by 16 points. But Haliburton had an impressive stretch to close the quarter, and Team USA was down just four entering the final period.
After a Theis assist with 6:58 to go in the fourth, Germany went up by nine. But Team USA, led by Anthony Edwards late, closed out strong and came away with a 99-91 victory. It was Germany’s first defeat in a friendly, and they struggled to find the bottom of the net in the final minutes.
Theis finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds in that outing. He starts at center for the squad and has proven to be one of the best players on the roster this month. Despite the loss, Germany looks to be a contender in the World Cup.
Germany opens World Cup play on Friday against Finland. They should be favorites in that game, especially if Theis continues his current form.
The Pacers center averaged 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the blue and gold last season.