The German national basketball team won its opening game at EuroBasket 2025 with ease, but a moment of shock overshadowed the 106-76 victory over Montenegro. Isaac Bonga had to leave the court in the final quarter with knee problems and did not return.
In the middle of the final quarter, the 25-year-old stopped abruptly after a sprint without any contact from an opponent and immediately grabbed his left knee. Shortly afterwards, he collided lightly with Marko Simonovic in what was actually a harmless situation and left the court. He was unable to return. The possible loss of the versatile forward would be a major setback for the German team.
Interim coach Alan Ibrahimagic remained cautiously optimistic after the game: “We really have to pay attention to energy. Bonga had to leave the game briefly. We hope it’s nothing serious. We need all twelve players in every game.”
Johannes Thiemann was also confident: “Isaac limped off. Was it a muscle injury or his knee? I think it was more knee to knee. I don’t think it’s anything dramatic. I haven’t spoken to him yet.”
Captain Dennis Schröder didn’t want to cause any unnecessary concern: “He’s tough, so I’m not worried.”
Diagnosis still pending
The severity of the injury is not yet clear. The coming days will show whether Bonga will be able to play again in the next group games against Sweden (Friday) and Lithuania (Saturday).
