The men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics has reached its pinnacle as France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia are the semifinalists vying for the top honors.
France's Path to Semifinals
France showcased their resilience and skill by overcoming Canada in a fiercely contested quarterfinal match, securing their place in the semifinals with a final score of 82-73. The duo of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier were instrumental in this victory, combining for an impressive total of 42 points. While Rudy Gobert, surprisingly, saw limited action on the court, playing only three minutes, his teammates stepped up to ensure their advancement.
Team USA's Dominance
Team USA continues to assert their dominance in the tournament, as evidenced by their decisive victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals. The performance was highlighted by Joel Embiid, who scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the first half alone. The United States has also demonstrated consistent superiority over Serbia, having defeated them twice in the past two months by an average margin of 26 points. This history will undoubtedly weigh on the minds of the Serbian team as they prepare for a potential rematch.
Germany's Unbeaten Run
Germany's journey in the tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. The defending FIBA World Cup champions remain undefeated, a testament to their well-rounded team and strategic prowess. Their quarterfinal clash with Greece was a showcase of their might, outscoring their opponents 65-42 over the final three quarters. Franz Wagner led the charge with 18 points, supported by Dennis Schroder who added 13 points.
Serbia's Comeback Spirit
Serbia's quarterfinal win against Australia was a tale of resilience and comeback spirit. Trailing by 24 points in the first half, Serbia managed to overturn the deficit, thanks in large part to Nikola Jokic's near triple-double performance. Jokic was a powerhouse on the court, contributing 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks. His all-round performance was pivotal in Serbia's remarkable turnaround.
As the tournament progresses to the semifinals, basketball enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate the upcoming showdowns. Each team brings a unique set of strengths and storylines, promising thrilling and high-stakes encounters.