Scrambling to get a shot off with mere seconds left, Davis Bertans managed to grab the defensive rebound and pushed the pace to shoot a deep right-wing 3-pointer as time expired.
The ball hit the rim and missed. Just like that, Latvia’s Cinderella run came to an end with an 81-79 loss to Germany in the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals.
Buy Thunder TicketsIn the back-and-fourth contest, neither team led by more than 14 points. Germany held a 36-34 halftime lead and a 62-59 lead after three quarters.
With less than three minutes to go, it looked as if Latvia’s magic had finally ran out as Germany built a double-digit lead. Instead, Latvia had one final push left. It almost erased a 10-point deficit with 2:24 remaining, closing the game on a 10-2 run.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Bertans was excellent for Latvia. In 34 minutes, he had 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting and two rebounds. He went 6-of-13 from 3 to lead Latvia’s offense.
Bertans previewed the type of performance he’d have in an elimination game with three quick 3-pointers to start the game. The 30-year-old showed off his range with several deep 3-point attempts.
Alas, Bertans’ most important shot attempt was a bit too strong as he missed the chance to hit a game-winner. He immediately sulked following the buzzer but Latvia’s run was impressive in itself and should be a point of pride for him.
Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Latvia’s two-point loss.
Davis Bertans is actually ridiculous 😳
3/3 from beyond the arc to start the game 🔥#FIBAWC x #WinForLatvia 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/SBvms8PXNN
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
Pick, pop, splash.#FIBAWC x #WinForLatvia 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/7bu2FnFZ9K
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
DAVIS BERTANS, STOP.#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/UInbfUV8cm
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
DAVIS BERTANS FOR THE WIN… NOT GOOD, GERMANY MOVE ON TO THE SEMI-FINALS. 🤯#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/mv46svGKYb
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
GERMANY GET THE JOB DONE ✅#FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland 🇩🇪
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
Latvia, you've earned a place in every basketball fan's heart. 💔 🇱🇻#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/pfpmBmKZF0
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
Heartbreaking loss for Latvia
Bertans was great with 20 points on 6/13 shooting from deep
Had a huge block on Schröeder as Latvia was struggling back from 10 points down with 3-4 mins left
Had a shot at the win, and it just rims out 🥲
Bertans performance during FIBAWC has… pic.twitter.com/96IR22hRf9
— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) September 6, 2023
🇱🇻 Davis Bertans' reaction after a missed game-winning shot against 🇩🇪 Germany 🥺#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/39uGak6xSa
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) September 6, 2023
