In a thrilling series of quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia have solidified their positions as the top contenders in the men's basketball tournament, advancing to the semifinals with standout performances.
France Overcomes Canada
France secured their place in the semifinals with a commanding 82-73 victory over Canada. The French team's offensive prowess was on full display as Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier combined to score an impressive 42 points. Despite the triumph, star player Rudy Gobert's limited court time—only three minutes—was a notable decision by the French coaching staff.
United States Dominates Brazil
Team USA's path to the semifinals was paved with a decisive win against Brazil. The Americans showcased their depth and skill, with Joel Embiid leading the charge in the first half by scoring 14 points and securing seven rebounds. The match highlighted the United States' continued dominance in the tournament, especially given their recent track record against Serbia, whom they have beaten twice in the past two months with an average winning margin of 26 points.
Germany Stays Undefeated
Germany, the reigning FIBA World Cup champions, continued their unbeaten run in the tournament by overpowering Greece. In a game marked by strong defensive and offensive efforts, Germany outscored Greece 65-42 over the final three quarters. Key players Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder played pivotal roles, contributing 18 and 13 points respectively, to ensure their team's advancement.
Serbia's Remarkable Comeback
Serbia's journey to the semifinals was a testament to their resilience and high-level playmaking. Despite trailing by 24 points in the first half against Australia, Serbia mounted a remarkable comeback. Nikola Jokic delivered an almost triple-double performance with 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks, underscoring his critical role in Serbia's thrilling victory.
As the semifinals approach, basketball fans around the world eagerly anticipate the clash of these four basketball powerhouses. Each team brings unique strengths and compelling storylines, promising an exciting continuation of the Olympic basketball tournament.