Tuesday was full of amazing comebacks in the Olympic men’s basketball quarterfinals. The only game not in question was Team USA‘s dominant win over Brazil, ending with a score of 122-87. The Americans came out strong against a feisty Brazil team, with shooting guard Devin Booker having his best game in the Olympics. Their spacing gave Brazil fits, as there was too much talent to face off in one play, and the best players in the world often score.
Kevin Durant made history today when he took over Lisa Leslie’s all-time scoring record for Team USA, cementing himself in a position unlike many of his competitors. He spoke briefly after the game about breaking Leslie’s record with an answer only Durant would give: “Records are meant to be broken, so somebody will come along and do the same. We’re just focused on trying to win this gold.”
Easy Money.
Congratulations to KD on becoming the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic history.
🇺🇸 #USABMNT #Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/xlJnegeWmA
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 6, 2024
Serbia and the United States are set to face each other after Serbia’s gutsy come-from-behind win in overtime against Australia. Nikola Jokic led the way with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 points. Guard Patty Mills left it all on the court with 20 points in the second half, finishing with 26 points and a miraculous shot over Jokic to send the game to overtime. Despite his efforts, it was not enough. Serbia is vying for their first Olympic medal since 2016 in Brazil. It will be an exciting matchup for the Americans, seeing this team for the third time.
This is absolutely beautiful to watch
Watch Patty Mills this entire clip… Nonstop movement. We already know FIBA Patty is different (Honestly in the same category as Hoodie Melo if you ask me), but this is next level. He’s got it going early.
Serbia – 17
Patty Mills – 16 pic.twitter.com/dVTt4Xh2xm— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) August 6, 2024
We can’t finish this story without mentioning France’s dominant win over Canada today, winning 82-73. France got off to a good start, taking a 21-6 lead late in the first quarter. Victor Wembanyama had an impactful game, not through the box score, but by being an effective player without the ball in his hands on both sides of the court. Detroit Pistons guard Evan Fournier, a journeyman for this France team, finished with 25 points, including a three-pointer with the shot clock ticking down to deflate Team Canada.
EVAN FOURNIER OH MY GOODNESS pic.twitter.com/3oFQMoStAo
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 6, 2024
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for Team Canada, bringing his team as close as five points, but he could not get over the hump. He finished with 27 points and missed key free throws in the second half that would keep an 87% free throw shooter up at night. Germany and France will face off once again after Germany defeated Greece 76-63 tod
Two high-level rematches will determine the Gold Medal game for the week, and they should bring a ton of highlights.
