The Semi-Final matchups in the Men's Olympic Basketball are set, as Germany, Serbia, France, and USA advance to the top four. The Quarter-Finals were a true display of Olympic Basketball, as we had upsets, OT finishes, and some of the best players in the world stepping up big time. With the semis now locked in, it’s time to delve into what went right for the winners and what hurt the countries that bowed out.
Germany Vs. Greece
In a game that Greece led for much of the first half, the Germans won convincingly 76-63. Germany held Greece to just 27 total points in the second half, and it was their defense that won them this game. For Greece to only score 63 points is a huge reflection of Germany's defensive game plan.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the game in scoring, with 22 points, but it was not nearly enough for the 2x NBA MVP. Franz Wagner scored 18, and Dennis Schroder finished with 13 points and eight assists.
Greece did well to make it this far, especially with Thanasis Antetokounmpo unavailable due to injury. They were no match for last year's FIBA World Champions, who marched through to their Semi-Final matchup with France.
Serbia Vs. Australia
In the closest game of the four, Serbia squeaked by Australia 95-90. Nikola Jokic reminded everyone why he is considered the best player in the world, putting up 21 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. He was backed up well by Bogdan Bogdanovic (17 PTS) and Vasilije Micic (14 PTS).
Australia came so close to the victory that it wouldn't be considered an upset, but it would've been a shock to see Jokic and company bow out early. Olympics Patty Mills was back on full display, dropping 26 points, including some clutch buckets to force overtime. Josh Giddey was also great again to cap off a strong campaign. He finished with 25 points, including three 3-pointers.
It was a brutal way to go out, but the 'Boomers' made a valiant effort as Serbia advanced to play the reigning Olympic Champions, the United States of America.
France Vs Canada
This was the most anticipated matchup of the Olympics so far, and the home team did not disappoint. It wasn't even the superstars, Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, who got the French the win. It was the play, in particular, of Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier. These two scored 22 and 20 points respectfully and continuously hit shots to keep the Canadians out of reach.
The French consistently attacked the Canadian defense, resulting in 42 free-throw attempts, of which they made 33. Wembanyama shot just 2/10 for 7 points, while Gobert played just THREE minutes in an effort to match up defensively. This move worked, and it will be interesting to see how he's used in the Germany matchup.
It's a disappointing end for Canada, one of the favorites heading into the tournament. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put in a great effort, scoring 27 points, and RJ Barrett scored 16 points on 11 shots. Jamal Murray and Dillon Brooks combined for just nine points on a combined 4/22 from the field.
USA Vs Brazil
In the final game of the four, the Americans were in control from the tip-off and won 122-87, their biggest Olympics win thus far. It was a team effort, as six players finished with double-digit points, and two others finished with nine points. Devin Booker led the team with 18 in just 15 minutes, while Brazil's Bruno Caboclo had another excellent game in these Olympics. He finished with 30 points and six rebounds in a losing effort.
Booker led the team scoring-wise, but everyone who played significant minutes was excellent. The team shot 57.7% from the field, and 48.1% from downtown, it was just a beautiful display of offense. The defense wasn't too far behind, as they combined for nine steals and seven blocks and never let the Brazilians breathe in the half-court.
Brazil only won one game in this Olympic campaign and never had much of a chance in this game. They shot poorly from the field and didn't hold up very well defensively against the juggernaut of the USA. On the bright side, Bruno Caboclo had a sensational campaign, and with any luck, it could land him a spot back on an NBA roster.
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