France, USA, Germany, and Serbia Confirm Semifinal Spots in Men's Basketball at Paris Olympics
The stage is set for a thrilling semifinal showdown in the men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Emerging victorious from fiercely contested quarterfinals, France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia have all punched their tickets to the next round.
France Prevails Over Canada
France secured their position in the semifinals by overcoming Canada with a commendable 82-73 win. The dynamic duo of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier played pivotal roles in this victory, combining for an impressive total of 42 points. Interestingly, Rudy Gobert, one of France’s top players, saw limited action, playing only three minutes.
USA Dominates Brazil
Team USA demonstrated their prowess with a decisive victory in their quarterfinal clash against Brazil. Joel Embiid was a standout performer, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the first half alone. This dominant performance continues a trend for the Americans, who have defeated Serbia twice in the past two months with an average victory margin of 26 points.
Germany Continues Stellar Run
Germany, the defending FIBA World Cup champions, retained an unblemished record by advancing to the semifinals. They delivered an overpowering performance against Greece, outscoring them 65-42 over the final three quarters. Franz Wagner led the German charge with 18 points, while Dennis Schroder contributed 13 points, further underscoring Germany’s depth and resilience.
Serbia Overcomes Early Deficit
In a dramatic turnaround, Serbia clawed back from a 24-point deficit in the first half against Australia. Nikola Jokic was instrumental in this comeback, nearly achieving a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks. His all-around performance was essential for Serbia in securing their semifinal berth.
The semifinals promise to be electrifying, with each team bringing its unique strengths and narratives. France's strategic gameplay, USA's consistent dominance, Germany's unbeaten vigor, and Serbia's resilient spirit set up a captivating end to the tournament.