The wait is finally over, and eight nations have qualified for the Olympic basketball quarterfinals.
Team USA’s Path to Glory
Team USA, the favorites to win, will face Brazil on Tuesday night in Paris. If they advance, they might play against Serbia or Australia in the semifinals. The earliest they could meet France, Canada, or Germany would be in the final.
Currently undefeated with a 3-0 record after beating Puerto Rico 104-83, Team USA is seen as having an easier match against Brazil. โTheyโre all excellent teams, well-coached,โ said Steve Kerr. โBut Brazil is our focus.โ
The quarterfinals matchups and brackets are set for Menโs basketball #Paris2024
Team USA ๐บ๐ธ will face Brazil ๐ง๐ท in their quarterfinals matchup
— The Outlet Forum (@TheOutletForum)
Challenges Ahead
Despite being underdogs, Brazil poses a significant threat due to their physical gameplay and strong offensive rebounding. “Theyโve got a lot of really good shooters,” Kerr noted. “We need to be ready for them because theyโre not going to back down.”
LeBron James echoed this sentiment by highlighting Team USAโs struggle with offensive rebounds. โIโve watched all the games,โ he said. โTheyโre very dedicated to their offensive and defensive systems.โ
Fans feel nervous but excited about these upcoming matches.
Kerr also mentioned that there are no easy games at this stage: โIn the spirit of the Olympics… I would call it the 800 meters,โ he expressed. โWeโre running really hard, but itโs not the 100 meters.โ
France vs Canada: The Highlight Matchup
Among all quarterfinals matchups starting Tuesday, many believe France vs Canada will be the most thrilling game. After losing to Germany last weekend, France faces an unbeaten Canadian team expected to medal in Paris.
Victor Wembanyama emphasized teamwork: “Weโve got good energy… trust our teammates more and do little things like setting screens and boxing out.”
Coach Vincent Collet sees this game as an opportunity: “Now it’s even… They have more to lose than us.”
Canada hasnโt won Olympic basketball silverware since 1936 but remains confident under Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership: โWe played a lot of really good teams and we beat them all… There are some things we can clean up for sure.โ
