Dennis Schröder was the best player in a competition full of NBA All-Stars.

On Sunday, Schröder guided Germany to an 83-77 victory over Serbia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup championship game, earning him the title of tournament MVP. With 28 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field, the Toronto Raptors point guard stepped up in crucial situations.

Germany may have easily struggled emotionally-speaking in Sunday’s game.

After all, it only defeated the United States in a 113-111 semifinal thriller two days earlier. It’s not uncommon for the momentum of a huge victory to carry over into the next round, but Schröder made sure there was no lingering effect when the gold medal was at stake.

Germany’s allegiance in a time of crisis was obvious.

In the closing 30 seconds of the game, Schröder raced past his opponent and scored the game-winning basket in the paint. After making a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds of the game, he sealed the victory from the free throw line.

The bronze medal won by Dirk Nowitzki’s team in 2002 was the last FIBA World Cup medal won by the country.

The Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner contributed to Schröder’s balanced performance by scoring 19 points, grabbing seven boards, making three steals, and dishing out two assists. Before Schröder took over in the second half, he scored a lot of points.

The tournament’s MVP averaged 19.1 points, 6.1 dimes, and 1.4 steals per game in the final standings.

The Most Valuable Player award cemented his status as a German basketball icon.