Two members of the Dallas Mavericks are experiencing results on both ends of the spectrum in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
Center Boban Marjanovic is one of the key players on a Serbia team that is tied with Italy in Group D with a perfect 2-0 record. Meanwhile, after today’s narrow 70-68 loss to the Dominican Republic, forward Maxi Kleber and Germany are in last place in Group G with an 0-2 record.
Serbia blew out Angola on Saturday, 105-59, and followed that up with Monday’s 126-67 blowout victory over the Philippines. Germany’s other loss occurred Sunday against France, 78-74, in a game where Kleber accumulated four blocked shots.
In its stunning loss to the Dominican Republic, Germany’s Daniel Barthel’s misfired on a potential game-winning 3-point shot at the buzzer. Dennis Schroder paced Germany with a game highs of 20 points and seven assists.
Overall in the World Cup, Marjanovic is averaging 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 76.9 percent from the field in only 16.7 minutes per game. Marjanovic finished with nine points, three assists and two blocks, and was 4-of-4 from the field in the lopsided triumph over the Philippines.
On the other hand, Kleber is averaging three points and 1.5 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per contest. He also is tied with former Mavs center Salah Mejri (Tunisia) for second place in blocks with three per game.
In the battle for first place in Group D, Serbia and Italy will square off on Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. CT. Germany’s next game is Thursday at 3:30 a.m. CT against Jordan.
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