France and Team USA Continue to Impress
Host nation France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia have emerged as the semifinalists in the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. France paved their way to the semifinals with an 82-73 victory over Canada, spearheaded by stellar performances from Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier, who combined for an impressive total of 42 points. Intriguingly, Rudy Gobert, typically a cornerstone of France’s defense, was benched for almost the entire game, logging just three minutes on the court.
USA Dominance Continues
On the other side, Team USA registered a decisive victory against Brazil in their quarterfinal clash. Joel Embiid showcased his prowess by scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The United States has a commanding history over Serbia, having defeated them twice in the past two months by an average margin of 26 points. This legacy of dominance is something the Americans will be eager to continue as the tournament approaches its climax.
Unblemished Germany Eyes Gold
Meanwhile, Germany, the defending FIBA World Cup champions, remains undefeated in this tournament. Their consistency continued as they crushed Greece, outscoring them 65-42 over the last three quarters of their quarterfinal match. Franz Wagner led the charge with 18 points, while Dennis Schroder added 13 to secure their semifinals berth. Germany’s unblemished record and dominant performances make them a formidable contender for the gold medal.
Serbia's Grit and Jokic's Brilliance
Serbia’s journey to the semifinals has not been without drama. They trailed by 24 points in the first half against Australia in their quarterfinals matchup. However, Nikola Jokic delivered a near triple-double performance with 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks. His all-around brilliance enabled Serbia to overcome the substantial deficit and secure a spot in the semifinals.
As the competition narrows down to these four basketball powerhouses, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the men's basketball tournament in Paris. The clash of titans awaits as France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia vie for Olympic glory, each bringing a unique blend of talent, strategy, and determination to the court.