As the 2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball tournament advances, four powerhouse teams have emerged as semifinalists: France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia. Each team has shown remarkable skill and determination, securing their spots with impressive performances in the quarterfinals.
France Overcomes Canada
France guaranteed their semifinal berth by defeating Canada with a final score of 82-73. The win was largely propelled by the dynamic duo of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier, who combined for a notable total of 42 points. In a surprising strategic move, star center Rudy Gobert saw limited action, playing only three minutes in the game.
USA Dominates Brazil
Team USA showcased their dominance once again with a decisive victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals. The game was highlighted by Joel Embiid's impressive first-half performance, where he scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The U.S. team, having already beaten Serbia twice in the past two months with an average margin of 26 points, continue to display their formidable prowess on the court.
Germany’s Unblemished Run
Germany, the defending FIBA World Cup champions, have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. In their quarterfinal matchup, they outscored Greece 65-42 over the final three quarters, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive resilience. Key contributors included Franz Wagner, who scored 18 points, and Dennis Schroder, who added 13 points to the tally.
Serbia's Resilient Comeback
Serbia faced a challenging quarterfinal against Australia, where they trailed by 24 points in the first half. Nevertheless, they mounted a remarkable comeback, driven by the stellar performance of Nikola Jokic. Jokic delivered a near triple-double, accumulating 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks. His all-around excellence was instrumental in Serbia's advance to the semifinals.
As the tournament progresses, these four teams are set to clash in what promises to be thrilling semifinal matchups. Each team brings its own unique strengths and narratives, making the road to the finals all the more unpredictable and exciting for basketball fans worldwide.