The Atmosphere of the Germany-USA game

[dmavsfan]

I know that some have talked about the game, but I thought I could add to the topic a bit. A North American (Canadian) view of the game in Deutschland The fans were great! The arena was excellent. They cheered both teams. Cheered both national anthems. Special cheers for TD, Iverson, Lebron James, Carmelo. Loud cheering for each German player, but the place just goes soooooooooooo loud when they say Dirk Nowitzki.....

The German eagle mascot had got every one up on their feet for the last minute of the game. The German coach was using fouling strategy late in the game. So every one was cheering as the young German guard took the ball up the court with the Germans down by 3. He got inside the 3 point line and passed it back to Dirk who was making sure he was in 3 point land. 2 US players on him and he hit it (as you all know)......but the place went crazy (18,500 fans)......Iverson then put everyone in shock as he hit the desperation 3. By this point all the fans were cheering both teams for the effort, the game, and the finish!

Very knowledgable fans. You could buy all USA (mainly Iverson and Duncan stuff) and German (mainly Dirk stuff) jerseys in the walking area. Europeans whistle (do not boo much). So late in the game they whistle real LOUD (for distracting the opponent) as the USA was shooting their foul shots (some of those banging sticks, but mostly whistling). It is so loud it actually hurts your ears - a lot!. (This could be our secret weapon against LA..haha).

The eagle mascot would shoot free prizes up into the crowd during breaks...and at halftime they had some kids playing basketball with a GIANT basketball and those GIANT baskets....pretty funny.

The game was in every paper the next 2 days. National tv in Germany (not a sports station as this was bigger) and ESPN. Dirk and Larry Brown were saying how it was a great day for German and Global b-ball.

After the game Popovich the assistant USA coach appeared to be telling Dirk what a great shot he had made.

bty: I think the USA really did have jet lag for their first game against Italy. They had crisp passing against Deutschland. Germany's young guard played great.

Also: in the Itlay-Germany game (Germany won) the Italians were very physical. Even cutting the face of the German center (almost a fight). The Italian guards were extremely quick, getting to the basket and dishing with ease.

[Mavs Rule]

Thanks for the description DMavsFan. It is always nice to get game comments from someone who was actually there as opposed to television. What I love is that Pop, Larry Brown, and the whole USA team of NBA players probably have a renewed respect for how good Dirk is and how good he can be.