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 12 months Wembanyama struggled together with his shot (4-of-17) for the second consecutive recreation, his affect was felt all around the courtroom, in accordance with Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
“In fact, it’s a part of a dream come true,” Wembanyama stated, per ESPN. “We will be a part of a purpose that we set for ourselves months again. We are able to write historical past, much more. A once-in-a-lifetime dream.”
The French nationwide crew will advance to its second consecutive Olympic closing after ending with the silver medal in Tokyo three years in the past.
In reality, Saturday’s Olympic closing will probably be rematch, with France set to face the USA, which received gold in Tokyo. Staff USA trailed by as many as 17 factors in its semifinal matchup with Serbia and was down 13 coming 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) had been instrumental down the stretch for the People. 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 closing, 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.
