The semifinal line-up for the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been set, with France, the United States, Germany, and Serbia emerging as the top contenders.
France Secures Semifinal Spot with a Victory Over Canada
France clinched their place in the final four by defeating Canada with a score of 82-73. Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier were pivotal in this win, combining for an impressive total of 42 points. However, the match strategy took an unexpected turn as Rudy Gobert was benched, playing only three minutes during the game.
Team USA Dominates Brazil to Reach Semifinals
The United States displayed its dominance in a quarterfinal match against Brazil, securing a decisive victory. Joel Embiid stood out with a remarkable performance in the first half, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Adding to their solid form, the United States has beaten Serbia twice in the past two months by an average margin of 26 points, making them strong contenders for the gold medal.
Germany's Consistent Performance Continues
Germany, the defending FIBA World Cup champions, has maintained an undefeated record in the tournament. They showcased their prowess by outscoring Greece 65-42 over the final three quarters of their quarterfinal match. The team's success was spearheaded by Franz Wagner, who scored 18 points, and Dennis Schroder, who added 13 points, leading Germany to a comfortable victory.
Serbia's Resilience Shines Through Against Australia
Serbia's journey to the semifinals was marked by a resilient comeback against Australia. Trailing by 24 points in the first half, Serbia turned the game around with a stellar performance from Nikola Jokic. Jokic delivered a near triple-double, contributing 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks, playing a crucial role in Serbia's path to the semifinals.
As the semifinals approach, the match-ups promise to deliver thrilling basketball action. Each team has demonstrated outstanding skill and determination to reach this stage, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament at the Paris Olympics.