The quarterfinals of the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics have been defined, with eight teams securing their spots in this highly anticipated stage. Among the standout stories is South Sudan’s historic first win in the Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the nation.
Japan, while managing to push France to overtime, unfortunately did not secure any wins during the group stage. Their journey ended in disappointment, unable to capitalize on their near upset against one of the stronger teams in the tournament. France, on the other hand, barely escaped that potential upset, only to face a tough battle against Germany where they lost after trailing by as much as 24 points.
Brazil’s Triumphant Return
Brazil’s resurgence in Olympic basketball has been noteworthy. Returning to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012, they have demonstrated remarkable progress. Bruno Caboclo’s performance was pivotal in this comeback, as he scored an impressive 33 points alongside 17 rebounds in the match against Japan. Throughout the tournament, Caboclo has averaged 13 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, with an outstanding 55% shooting from the field.
Greece’s Struggles
Conversely, Greece faced challenges early on with losses to Canada and Spain. However, not all was bleak for the Greeks. Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his elite skills, scoring 20 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out six assists against Australia. Thomas Walkup also made a substantial contribution with 18 points in the same game. Unfortunately, their efforts were not enough, as Australia too, struggled, managing only one win in the group stage. Jock Landale was a bright spot for Australia, averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Germany's Dominance
Germany emerged as a formidable force, finishing the group stage undefeated. Franz Wagner led the scoring charge with an average of 21.7 points per game, while Dennis Schroder was not far behind, contributing 19.7 points per game. Their dominant performances have set a high bar and positioned them as a real threat in the knockout rounds.
Serbia and Canada’s Prospects
Serbia faced a tough challenge against Team USA, resulting in a loss during the group stage. Despite this setback, Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a standout player for Serbia, averaging 19 points per game, with an impressive 54% shooting from the field and 53% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Canada secured victories against Greece and Australia, bolstered by RJ Barrett, who averaged 21 points per game.
USA’s Commanding Performance
Team USA has yet again exhibited their prowess on the international stage, winning their initial three matches with an average margin of 21.3 points. Anthony Edwards has been a key contributor to their success, averaging 16.7 points per game. Their dominant form suggests they are strong contenders for the gold medal.
The stage is now set for thrilling quarterfinal matchups, with each team bringing unique strengths and compelling storylines to the court. As the competition intensifies, basketball fans around the world eagerly await to see which nations will rise to the occasion and continue their quest for Olympic glory.