France Clinches Semifinals After Dominating Canada
The men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics has reached an exhilarating stage, with France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia emerging as the semifinalists.
France secured their spot in the semifinals with a compelling victory over Canada, concluding the match with a final score of 82-73. The French team displayed an outstanding performance, led by the combined efforts of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier, who jointly racked up an impressive 42 points.
Interestingly, despite France’s success, star player Rudy Gobert saw limited court time, playing only three minutes against Canada. This unexpected move by the coach did not hinder the team's performance, showcasing its depth and versatility.
Team USA’s Road to Victory
Team USA demonstrated their prowess with a decisive victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals. Joel Embiid shone brightly, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds in just the first half, leading his team to a comfortable triumph.
The United States has been dominant against Serbia, securing two victories in the past two months with an average winning margin of 26 points. This track record positions them as formidable contenders heading into the semifinals.
Germany’s Unbeaten Streak
Germany, the defending FIBA World Cup champions, have remained undefeated in the tournament, continuing to showcase their exceptional skills. In their quarterfinal clash with Greece, they surged ahead, outscoring their opponents 65-42 over the final three quarters.
Franz Wagner was pivotal in this victory, contributing 18 points, while Dennis Schroder added 13 points to the scoreboard. Germany’s cohesive and relentless performance underscores their championship pedigree and fortifies their aspirations for gold.
Serbia’s Resilience Pays Off
Serbia’s journey to the semifinals was marked by a remarkable comeback against Australia. Trailing by 24 points in the first half, they mounted a tenacious fightback. Nikola Jokic was instrumental in this turnaround, delivering a near triple-double performance, amassing 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks. His all-around contribution was critical to Serbia's stunning recovery and ultimate victory.
As the tournament progresses to the semifinals, spectators can anticipate thrilling encounters between these four elite teams. The blend of tactical brilliance, individual heroics, and team cohesion sets the stage for a spectacular conclusion to the basketball event at the Paris Olympics.