There were wild victory celebrations in Manila when Germany managed to hold off. The last timeout was taken with half a second left.
Germany led by twelve points several times in the fourth period and looked to win safely but the USA, who were looking for revenge for seventh place the last time the World Cup was played in 2019, never gave up and it became a tight drama.
Separated a point with 95 seconds left
With three minutes left, Anthony Edwards put a three right in front despite good defense and shrunk the U.S. deficit to 103-106 and Germany took a timeout.
But the United States failed to catch up. The closest was when Austin Reaves put two penalty throws for a one-point deficit, 107-108 with 1:35 remaining.
It was another flop for the big favorite – although not as big as in Beijing 2019. At least now there is a bronze to play for on Sunday. Then Canada awaits in a North American meeting. Germany will face Serbia in the final.
U.S. superstars often skip the World Cup and show up when it's the Olympics.