United States to play France for gold in men’s basketball

Stephen Curry (Noah Salzman, Wikimedia Commons)

For a significant part of Thursday’s semifinal between the United States and Serbia, it looked like the Americans were down and out. With impressive shooting from beyond the arc, Serbia won the first three quarters and had a commanding 76-63 lead after 30 minutes.

However, if there is one thing about Team USA, they are never down and out when they are loaded with NBA All-Stars on the floor. In the fourth quarter on Thursday, the Americans outscored Serbia by 17 points (32-15), and in the process won the game 95-91.

Three Americans reached double digits in points. Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry of Akron, Ohio sizzled as he posted 36 shots. Curry made 12 of 19 field goals, nine of 14 three-pointers, and all three free throw attempts. He also had eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and was an impressive +20.

Two more Americans reached double digits in points. Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers had 19 points and LeBron James had 16 points. James had the triple double as he had 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

The United States will play France in the gold medal game. France was involved in another tight semifinal contest as they defeated Germany 73-69. Boston Celtics draft pick Guerschon Yabusele, who plays for Real Madrid in Spain, led France with 17 points.

France and the United States have not played each other at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris so far, but they did play twice against each other at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. France actually beat USA 89-79 in the first game for both teams. Then in the gold medal game, USA beat France 87-82.

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