France, USA, Germany, and Serbia: A Look at the 2024 Paris Olympics Men's Basketball Semifinalists
The 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament has reached its critical juncture, with France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia emerging as the semifinal contenders. Each of these teams has showcased exceptional skill and determination, earning their spot among the final four.
France's Path to the Semifinals
France clinched their place in the semifinals with a hard-fought victory over Canada, finishing the game with a score of 82-73. The dynamic duo of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier were pivotal in this triumph, combining for a remarkable 42 points. However, the game was not without surprises as star player Rudy Gobert saw limited action, being benched for most of the match and playing just three minutes.
Team USA's Dominance Continues
Team USA's quarterfinal clash against Brazil ended in a decisive victory, reaffirming their status as a formidable force in the tournament. Joel Embiid was particularly impressive, contributing 14 points and securing seven rebounds in the first half alone. Adding to their confidence, the United States has had a recent streak of success against Serbia, defeating them twice in the past two months by an average margin of 26 points.
Germany: The Undefeated Defending Champions
As the defending FIBA World Cup champions, Germany has been a force to be reckoned with, maintaining an undefeated record in the current tournament. Their latest victory came against Greece, where they outscored their opponents 65-42 over the final three quarters. Franz Wagner played a crucial role with 18 points, while Dennis Schroder added 13 points to secure their place in the semifinals.
Serbia's Dramatic Comeback
Serbia’s journey to the semifinals was nothing short of dramatic. In their quarterfinal match against Australia, they found themselves trailing by 24 points in the first half. However, a phenomenal near triple-double performance by Nikola Jokic—who recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks—propelled the team to an astonishing comeback, ultimately securing their semifinal spot.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament advances to the semifinals, fans can look forward to what promises to be a gripping series of matches. Each of these teams has demonstrated remarkable resilience and talent, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the competition.