Players Prepared for Lithuania: Basketball Courts Transformed with Ice, Sauna, and Red Lights

The German national basketball team has continued its successful run at the European Championship (EM) in Finland, securing a 105:83 victory against Sweden in their second game. Despite the illness-related absence of head coach Alex Mumbru and the unusual afternoon game time, the team remained calm and focused.

Interim coach Alan Ibrahimagic led the team effectively, giving the second unit ample playing time. Captain Dennis Schröder, who sat out the game due to knee problems in the previous match, returned to the court and scored 23 points. His teammate, NBA youngster Franz Wagner, also shone, contributing 21 points with his aggressive drives to the basket.

The game started with a relaxed pace for Germany, leading 8:0 early on. Schröder set up his teammate Daniel Theis for a score, while Wagner continued to drive to the basket aggressively. However, the game featured defensive weaknesses and lapses from Germany, but they still managed to keep the opponent at a distance.

Co-captain Johannes Voigtmann, who sat out the game against Sweden due to knee problems, is expected to be available for the game against Lithuania on Saturday. Ibrahimagic stated that Voigtmann's absence was a precautionary measure, and he feels good and is happy to do the job, but the situation with the coach is always in the back of his mind.

Meanwhile, the fire department in Hamm is celebrating a massive party. Unemployment in the city remains high, but two local initiatives, HSHL and Hamm Experience 2025, are having open doors to encourage local businesses and job seekers to connect.

On a disappointing note for basketball fans, Spain, the defending champions, lost their opening game at the EM against Georgia. The German team will face Lithuania in their next game, aiming to continue their winning streak.

Schröder received a technical foul after a heated argument with the referee, but the team's focus remains on the upcoming game against Lithuania. As they continue to perform well on the court, the German national basketball team is proving to be a force to be reckoned with at the EM.