Host-nation France pulled off its second consecutive upset by defeating 2023 World Cup champion Germany within the semifinals of males’s basketball on the 2024 Olympics, writes Kyle Hightower of the Associated Press.
Led by Guerschon Yabusele (17 factors, seven rebounds, two assists), Isaia Cordinier (16 factors, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals) and a stifling protection anchored by Victor Wembanyama (11 factors, seven rebounds, three blocks), France edged Germany, 73-69.
Whereas reigning NBA Rookie of the Yr Wembanyama struggled along with his shot (4-of-17) for the second consecutive sport, his influence was felt all around the courtroom, in accordance with Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
“After all, it’s a part of a dream come true,” Wembanyama mentioned, per ESPN. “We might be a part of a aim that we set for ourselves months again. We will write historical past, much more. A once-in-a-lifetime dream.”
The French nationwide workforce will advance to its second consecutive Olympic last after ending with the silver medal in Tokyo three years in the past.
In reality, Saturday’s Olympic last will likely be rematch, with France set to face the US, which received gold in Tokyo. Workforce USA trailed by as many as 17 factors in its semifinal matchup with Serbia and was down 13 getting into the ultimate body, however mounted a livid fourth-quarter comeback to safe a 95-91 victory.
Stephen Curry (a game-high 36 factors, eight rebounds, two assists), Joel Embiid (19 factors, 4 rebounds, two assists) and LeBron James (16 factors, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) have been instrumental down the stretch for the Individuals. Serbia was led by Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 factors, 4 rebounds, three assists), Nikola Jokic (17 factors, 5 rebounds, 11 assists) and Aleksa Avramovic (15 factors, 4 rebounds, three assists).
In a rematch of the 2023 World Cup last, Germany will face Serbia for the bronze medal on Saturday at 5 a.m. ET. France will face the U.S. for gold at 3:30 p.m. ET.
