Devin Booker Defends Carmelo Anthony with Strong Three-Word Response to Bogdan Bogdanovic

Got to defend a legend when they're being mocked by another player.

Team USA had to do this on Thursday during their semifinal matchup against Serbia. Bogdan Bogdanovic, who had a strong showing of 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, imitated Carmelo Anthony's iconic celebration after knocking down a three-pointer during the game. And to top it off, he directed it towards Anthony, who attended the game.

Anthony had an amazing international career representing the U.S., helping them win three gold medals and one bronze from 2004 to 2016. His memorable performances earned him the nickname "Olympic Melo."

Of course, the U.S. had no choice but to respond, namely Devin Booker. After converting a three-pointer of his own, he fired the celebration back at Bogdanovic, showing that Team USA won't let someone get away with mocking one of their legends.

The U.S. emerged victorious with a 95-91 score to advance to the gold medal game. Booker finished with six points and one assist, but he made sure to end things off on a strong note on Friday.

He took to social media with a photo of himself enacting Anthony's celebration, with the text below it simply saying:

"Respect the legends," he said while tagging Anthony's account.

This leaves no doubt on the amount of respect for a player Booker watched and played against growing up. The impact Anthony left on the game before retiring in 2023 won't be forgotten, and Booker made sure of that with his message defending the basketball legend.

While Bogdanovic will be forced to having to settle for competing for bronze, Booker may have the last laugh by fighting for gold against France on Aug. 10.

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