As the 2024 Paris Olympics’ men’s basketball tournament charges into the semifinals, France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia have emerged as the teams to beat, showcasing their prowess and resilience.
France vs. Canada
France secured their spot in the semifinals with a hard-fought victory over Canada, finishing with a final score of 82-73. A significant contribution came from Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier, who jointly tallied an impressive 42 points. Their dynamic performance on the court was pivotal in France’s advancement.
Surprisingly, Rudy Gobert’s presence was barely felt, as he was benched and played only three minutes against Canada. The strategic decision to limit his playtime did not hinder France’s momentum.
Team USA’s Dominant Performance
The United States continued to underline their dominance in international basketball with a decisive win over Brazil in their quarterfinal matchup. Key to this triumph was Joel Embiid, who put up 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in just the first half. The American squad has demonstrated consistent superiority, having defeated Serbia twice over the past two months with an average margin of 26 points.
Germany’s Unyielding Streak
Germany, the defending FIBA World Cup champions, have retained their unbeaten status throughout the tournament. Their latest conquest came at the expense of Greece, whom they outscored 65-42 over the final three quarters of their clash.
The German team’s depth was on full display: Franz Wagner contributed 18 points, while Dennis Schroder added another 13 points. Germany’s balanced attack has been a key factor in their successful run.
Serbia’s Thrilling Comeback
Serbia’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by a nail-biting encounter against Australia. Trailing by 24 points in the first half, the Serbians staged an incredible comeback, spearheaded by Nikola Jokic. Jokic was nothing short of spectacular, nearly achieving a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks.
As the semifinals approach, each team brings a unique blend of talent, strategy, and determination to the court. France’s balanced scoring, Team USA’s overwhelming firepower, Germany’s solid teamwork, and Serbia’s resilient spirit set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown.