Four nations—France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia—have risen as the semifinalists in the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Each country has showcased remarkable talent and determination, setting up what promises to be an electrifying next stage in the competition.
France’s Triumph Over Canada
France cemented their place in the semifinals by overcoming a formidable Canadian team with a final score of 82-73. The French squad's dynamic duo, Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier, combined for a total of 42 points, propelling their team to victory. Intriguingly, despite being a key player, Rudy Gobert was largely absent from the game, spending only three minutes on the floor.
Team USA Dominates Brazil
The United States continues to assert their dominance, delivering a decisive victory over Brazil in their quarterfinal match. Joel Embiid was a standout performer, racking up 14 points and seven rebounds in just the first half. This victory adds to Team USA’s impressive record; they have defeated Serbia twice in the past two months with an average winning margin of 26 points, highlighting their formidable presence on the court.
Germany’s Unblemished Record
Germany enters the semifinals with an unblemished record, underscoring their status as the defending FIBA World Cup champions. Their latest triumph saw them overpower Greece, outscoring them 65-42 over the final three quarters of their quarterfinal match. Franz Wagner led the charge with 18 points, while Dennis Schroder contributed an additional 13 points, showcasing the depth and balance within the German roster.
Serbia’s Resilient Comeback Against Australia
Serbia’s journey to the semifinals was marked by a gritty comeback against Australia. Despite trailing by 24 points in the first half, Serbia clawed their way back, largely thanks to an outstanding performance from Nikola Jokic. Jokic flirted with a triple-double, delivering 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks. His all-around brilliance was pivotal in turning the tide in Serbia’s favor.
The stage is now set for an exciting semifinal round. Each of these teams has demonstrated the skill, resilience, and teamwork required to vie for Olympic glory. As fans eagerly await the next matchups, the anticipation and excitement surrounding these semifinal clashes continue to build.