Dennis Schroder a menace for Australia as Germany win Group E thriller to reach next round

Dennis Schroder joined Dirk Nowitzki in some exclusive company under the gaze of the man himself – and produced a riveting win in the process.

Schroder had a game-high 30 points to lead Germany past Australia 85-82 in a Group E nail-biter at FIBA World Cup 2023 on Sunday (27 August) at Okinawa Arena.

Schroder became only the second German to score 30 or more in a World Cup game after newly enshrined Hall-of-Famer Nowitzki, who was courtside for the game.

It was Germany’s first-ever victory at the men’s senior level over Australia, who had been 6-0.

Their second win at this World Cup is enough to see them through to the next round. 

“Dirk is the best four man who ever played the game, changed the game of basketball,” said Schroder, who also had eight assists and four steals.

“He’s a Hall of Famer in the league, got a championship. Of course it’s a good thing but at the…