James vs. Jokic, a thrilling basketball semifinal

2024-08-08 02:51:51

[PARiS 2024]

US-Serbia clash over final ticket
NBA’s Top Stars Fight for Their Pride

Nikola Jokic (Serbia, left) and LeBron James (USA) fight for a rebound during the men’s basketball group match (110-84, US win) at the Paris Olympics on the 29th of last month. The two teams will compete for a spot in the finals on the 9th. Villeneuve-Dasque = AP Newsis

The United States, led by ‘King’ LeBron James (40, LA Lakers), and Serbia, led by ‘all-round center’ Nikola Jokic (29, Denver), will face off in the semifinals of the men’s basketball team at the Paris Olympics.

The U.S. men’s basketball team, which is aiming for its fifth consecutive Olympic title and 17th overall, won 122-87 against Brazil in the quarterfinals held at Bercy Arena in Paris, France on the 7th. The U.S. had six players score in double figures, including Devin Booker (28, Phoenix), who scored 18 points, and point guard James scored 12 points and provided nine assists.

James, who was selected as the NBA regular season and finals MVP four times each, is currently playing in the tournament, ranking third in scoring (average of 13.8 points) and first in assists (average of 7.8). After the quarterfinals, James said, “We should forget about our recent record against our semifinal opponents.”

The reason James said this is because the opponent they will be competing against for a spot in the finals on the 9th is Serbia. The U.S. won against Serbia by 26 points in both the evaluation match held on the 18th of last month (105-79) and the first match of the Olympic Group C match on the 29th of last month (110-84).

However, Serbia’s offense centered around Jokic came alive during their three-game winning streak after the US game. Jokic is a three-time NBA regular season MVP. Jokic scored 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists in the quarterfinals against Australia on the 6th. Serbia defeated Australia 95-90 in overtime and advanced to the Olympic semifinals for the first time in eight years.

In another semifinal matchup, host country France will face off against last year’s FIBA ​​World Cup champion Germany. France has a strong offense under the basket led by 222cm tall Victor Wembanyama (20, San Antonio), the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2023-2024 season, and 216cm tall Rudy Gobert (32, Minnesota). Germany’s strength lies in its organized basketball centered around Franz Wagner (23, Orlando), who ranks 4th in scoring (average 20.8 points) in this tournament.

Reporter Jeong Yun-cheol [email protected]

• great

  0dog

• I’m so sad

  0dog

• I’m angry

  0dog

• I recommend it

  dog

Hot news right now

2024-08-08 02:51:51