SPORT
August 8, 2024
As happened three years ago in Tokyo, the final of the Olympic basketball tournament between the USA and France. NBA stars around LeBron James must overcome anxious moments in the semifinals.
The USA trailed for a long time in the game against Serbia, second in the World Cup, and even before the start of the final quarter the deficit was still 13 points. But the star squad surrounding NBA superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant avoided the US’s first loss in the summer games since the humiliation in Athens in 2004.
The record Olympic champion was able to intercept the Serbs led by Nikola Jokic by showing determination, strong defense and precise offense in the last ten minutes. In the end, the most favored Americans won 95:91. The top scorer was Curry with 36 points, James recorded a triple double with 16 points, twelve rebounds and ten assists.
France has qualified for the Olympic final for the second time in a row. In the prestigious match against the world champions Germany 73:69, the hosts were able to take revenge for their significant defeat in the group stage (71:85). In front of 15,000 euphoric spectators, they also overcame a false start and a ten-point deficit after a few minutes (2:12).
Three years ago in Tokyo, France lost in the final 82:87 after a tough resistance. It was USA basketball’s fourth gold in a row – and its 16th overall at the Olympic Games.
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