U.S. Faces Serbia in Olympic Semifinals as Medal Hopes Rise

The U.S. men's basketball team is set to compete against Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Games, aiming for their 18th gold medal appearance in 20 Olympic tournaments. The Americans have previously defeated Serbia twice this summer, including a recent exhibition and their Olympic opener. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Serbia's strength, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup. In the quarterfinals, the U.S., Germany, and Serbia all secured expected victories against Greece, Australia, and Brazil, respectively. France, however, surprised many by eliminating Canada, showcasing the unpredictability of the tournament. French guard Evan Fournier expressed pride in reaching the semifinals, emphasizing the importance of competing for a medal. The upcoming match also features intriguing storylines, particularly regarding France's Rudy Gobert, who has faced scrutiny over his health status. Despite conflicting reports about a finger surgery, Gobert is expected to play against Germany, marking the latter's first Olympic semifinal appearance. Historically, the U.S. has dominated Olympic basketball, with 16 gold medals to their name. Serbian stars Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic have been standout performers, averaging 19.3 and 18.5 points, respectively. Notably, if Jayson Tatum hits a three-pointer in the semifinals or finals, it will mark a milestone for the U.S. team, ensuring all 12 players have scored from beyond the arc during the tournament.