PARIS — The Olympic basketball semifinals in Paris delivered two thrilling matchups, setting the stage for an epic gold medal final. Team USA faced a fierce challenge from Serbia, while France battled Germany in front of an electrified home crowd.
Team USA entered their semifinal against Serbia with a blend of confidence and caution. Despite their dominant performances leading up to this game, the Americans knew they were up against a formidable opponent led by Nikola Jokic, the Serbian superstar who had rested during the World Cup but was now ready to take on the world’s best. Serbia started strong, building a 17-point lead that had the American team on the ropes. Jokic, alongside Bogdan Bogdanovic, who led Serbia with 20 points, was a constant threat, exploiting the Americans’ defensive lapses and creating opportunities for his teammates.
But Team USA, with a roster of future Hall of Famers and current MVPs, was built to handle such adversity. Joel Embiid, facing off against Jokic, delivered one of his finest performances, scoring 19 points and igniting a second-half comeback. LeBron James, ever the leader, orchestrated the rally, finishing with a triple-double — 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists and guiding his team through a tense fourth quarter. Kevin Durant played a crucial role, hitting two vital baskets, including a three-pointer that was part of a six-point swing and a jumper in the final minute that helped seal the win. However, it was Steph Curry who truly shone brightest, scoring 36 points and making 9-of-14 three-pointers. Curry’s shooting was the lifeline Team USA needed, and his clutch free throws in the final moments secured a 95-91 victory.
In the other semifinal, France, in front of a passionate home crowd, took on Germany in a gritty, defensive battle where both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. France, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, managed to outlast their opponents with a 73-69 win. Wembanyama, already an NBA Rookie of the Year and the No. 1 draft pick, was the focal point of the French team. Though his shooting was off, finishing with just 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting, his defensive impact was undeniable. He recorded key blocks against Germany’s Dennis Schroder and made crucial plays that kept France ahead during pivotal moments. Guerschon Yabusele led the French with 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier added 16, including two game-sealing free throws in the final seconds.
Wembanyama, bloodied from a cut on his neck, embodied the spirit of the French team, playing through pain and pressure to help secure the win. “We’re willing to spill blood on the court,” Wembanyama said after the game. “If it allows us to win gold, I’m offering. Take all of it.” With their victory, France became only the third team in history to play for Olympic men’s basketball gold on home soil, joining the U.S. teams of 1984 and 1996.
The results of these brutal semifinals set up a highly anticipated gold medal match between Team USA and France, a rematch of the 2021 Olympic final. Saturday night’s final will be a battle for the ages, with history and national pride on the line.
