Americans face German blockade

Games today:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
4:45 p.m. — Serbia vs Canada
8:40 p.m. — US vs Germany
The United States has already sent a strong message after beating Italy black and blue in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Now, it's the Germans' turn to try to stop a rushing American freight train.
A pumped-up and intimidating US squad marches back to action, ready to knock out another hurdle standing in its path to secure a spot in the gold medal match of this prestigious 32-nation spectacle tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Battle begins at 8:40 p.m. following the scheduled 4:45 clash between Serbia and Canada in the other semifinal pairing.
But the spotlight will be on head coach Steve Kerr and the Americans as the five-time champions look to advance to their first title match since winning it all in 2014 in Spain.
With Mikal Bridges flashing his offense with 24 points coupled with the Americans' crushing defense, the US destroyed the Italians, 100-63, last Tuesday for its 15th semis appearance.
The Americans' masterclass alone — a mighty bounce back after losing to Lithuania at the end of the second round — is enough to strike fear into the hearts of other squads.
As Kerr would put it, his players know well that they are already at the home stretch.
"It's been a five-week journey for this group and there's five more days, that's how I look at it. We're the horse turning back to the barn. The horse starts picking up the pace when it's near the barn, and that's what's happening right now," Kerr said.
"Our guys are just sensing this is the end of the journey and the energy has picked up. The pace, the force. They know what's ahead. They know what the goal is, so I have no doubt they'll come out with the same energy and same force in the next game."
