Mortiz Wagner, Dennis Schroder Lift Germany Over Japan

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated 8/25/23

Magic center Moritz Wagner was the best player on the court and Germany raced to an easy win over Japan in the World Cup opener for both teams.

Wagner went for 25 points and Germany easily scored an 81-63 blowout at Okinawa Arena. Raptors guard Dennis Schroder added 14 points and his jumper in the first quarter started an 11-0 run. It was never a game after that.

Wagner’s younger brother, Franz Wagner — who has been the better NBA player — chipped in 10 points and was pulled early with an injured ankle. He is expected to undergo an MRI.

Germany next faces Patty Mills, Josh Giddey and Australia on Sunday, and that should be a good one.

Japan was led by Suns forward Yuta Watanabe, who tallied 20 points.