Germany Sends Message to France After Olympic Loss

Although France knocked Germany from contending for gold, the former team showed more respect for Serbia. Germany lost 93-83 to Nikola Jokic-led Serbia. Germany's head coach, Gordon Herbert, commented on Serbia after the loss.

"All good things come to an end. It ended not the way we wanted. But these guys gave their heart and soul for three years. These players… It's been a family. Congrats to Serbia. Sorry to France, but that's the best team we played in the Olympics," Herbert stated.

Not letting up following a heartbreaking loss to Team USA, Serbia looked for its best player to set the tone. Jokic recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

Herbert is stepping down as the head coach of Germany's National team, with a predecessor already in place. Germany's star point guard, Dennis Schroder, made heartfelt comments following the game.

"We're heartbroken. First and foremost, we have to thank the coach for everything he did for the German federation and national team. He brought culture, enjoyment, and the environment we had in the locker room. He created and started it three years ago," Dennis Schroder started the press conference.

Germany holds Herbert in high regard, especially as he seemingly morphed the team into a worthy winner and built a culture fit for its players. However, Herbert's commentary toward France falls on deaf ears, as Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the team can't hear anything outside of game plans for their juggernaut opponent.

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Germany is clearly at a loss as it leaves the Paris Olympics medal-less after winning gold in 2023 at the FIBA World Cup and bronze in 2022. Herbert's feelings regarding Paris don't matter to the Olympic-hosting basketball team. France is laser-focused on winning gold against Team USA.

France faces Team USA on Thursday at 2:30 PM Central Time.