The men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics is narrowing down to a thrilling conclusion, with France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia emerging as the final four contenders for the gold medal.
France Advances Past Canada
France booked their place in the semifinals with a solid performance against Canada, ending the game with an 82-73 victory. The dynamic duo of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier led the charge, combining for an impressive 42 points. Their offensive prowess was complemented by a team effort that saw France maintain control throughout the match.
In a surprising coaching decision, star center Rudy Gobert was benched and played only three minutes. Despite his minimal contribution, France's depth and versatility shone through, suggesting that the team can adapt to various challenges as they head into the semifinal round.
USA Dominates Brazil
Team USA continued to assert their dominance with a decisive quarterfinal victory over Brazil. Joel Embiid was a standout performer in the first half, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds. This commanding performance set the tone early, allowing the United States to cruise to victory.
The United States has been in imperious form against Serbia recently, having defeated them twice in the past two months with an average winning margin of 26 points. This track record will undoubtedly give Team USA a psychological edge as they prepare for their upcoming semifinal clash.
Germany's Unbeaten Run
Germany, the reigning FIBA World Cup champions, have carried their formidable form into the Olympic tournament and remain undefeated. Their quarterfinal match against Greece was a testament to their resilience and offensive firepower. After trailing early, Germany outscored Greece 65-42 over the final three quarters, securing another impressive victory.
Franz Wagner stepped up with an 18-point performance, while Dennis Schroder added 13 points, showcasing Germany's balanced attacking options. Their unbeaten run positions them as a formidable opponent heading into the semifinals, and their confidence will be sky-high.
Serbia's Gritty Comeback
Serbia's path to the semifinals was marked by a dramatic comeback against Australia. Trailing by 24 points in the first half, Serbia displayed remarkable determination and skill to turn the game around. Nikola Jokic was instrumental in this comeback, nearly recording a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Jokic's all-around performance epitomized the tenacity and talent of the Serbian team, setting the stage for an intriguing semifinal matchup. Despite their past losses to the United States, Serbia's recent display of resilience could make them a dangerous opponent.
As the tournament progresses to the semifinals, basketball fans around the world are in for a treat with these top-tier teams battling for a spot in the final. Each team has its own unique strengths and challenges, promising a series of high-stakes, exhilarating games ahead. The stage is set for a memorable climax to what has already been an exciting Olympic journey.