Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul announced on Tuesday signing guard Mert Eksioglu to a new two-year contract.

Fenerbahce re-signs Mert Eksioglu

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul announced on Tuesday signing guard [Mert Eksioglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mert-eksioglu/008174/) to a new two-year contract. Eksioglu (1.82 meters, 22 years old) grew up with Fenerbahce, but is yet to make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut.

Last season, Eksioglu appeared in 29 Turkish League games, and averaged 2.2 points. He also had 30 appearances for Fenerbahce's second team in the Turkish Second division and posted 8.2 points, 2.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds.

Eksioglu is now set to remain with the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Mert Emre Ekşioğlu iki yıl daha Fenerbahçe Beko’da! ✍️💛💙<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/9m7Rp95VBf">https://t.co/9m7Rp95VBf</a> <a href="https://t.co/AouOalXx5V">pic.twitter.com/AouOalXx5V</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1823299603019497673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Guerschon Yabusele of Real Madrid was one of the star performers at the 2024 Olympic Games as he helped France come away with a silver medal.

Yabusele showed the world his quality at the Olympics

Twenty-four years after the United States’ Vince Carter inflicted "le dunk de la mort" on France’s Frederic Weis at the 2000 Olympic Games, [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) was able to exact revenge by posterizing one of the best players of all time, LeBron James, during the 2024 Olympic final.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😤✊🏾🖤<br><br>📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/CatSteenkeste?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CatSteenkeste</a> <a href="https://t.co/F9zh6M7rWg">pic.twitter.com/F9zh6M7rWg</a></p>&mdash; Guerschon Yabusele (@yabusele28) <a href="https://twitter.com/yabusele28/status/1822676798661861655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

NBA fans watching on from the States will remember Yabusele for his time playing with the Boston Celtics in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, yet they were likely left surprised – and impressed – by the way in which he was able to dominate against the [so-called “Avengers”](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131542-lebron-james-gives-avengers-nickname-to-team-usa-after-olympics-gold-medal-win). For Turkish Airlines EuroLeague viewers, though, they already knew what the 28-year-old is capable of.

Yabusele has established himself as one of the finest players in the EuroLeague over the last few years, particularly since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. Since landing in the Spanish capital, the French forward has had a key role in guiding the club to three successive Final Four appearances, even if he didn’t play in the 2022 edition due to suspension. So, it was no shock to see him stealing the spotlight in Paris.

Notably, the Real player really took his game to another level in the knockout stages of the Olympics – it wasn’t just in the final where he left his mark. Much of the talk leading into the tournament surrounded Victor Wembanyama and whether he could inspire a France side that had underwhelmed somewhat in its warm-up games. It was Yabusele, however, who rose to the occasion in the win-or-go-home games that ultimately guided the home nation to a silver medal.

Guerschon Yabusele (center) poses with his France teammates after winning a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games. (PHOTO: FIBA)

In the final, Yabusele finished with 20 points, the third most in the game after Wembanyama with 26 and Stephen Curry with 24. Looking at the knockout fixtures as a whole, which includes the quarterfinal, semifinal and final, Yabusele led France in points with 19.7 points per game. Wembanyama, the talk of the NBA all season long, averaged 14.7 points over those three contests.

Many expected Canada to eliminate France in the quarterfinals, with the North American country able to count on an all-star backcourt of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. What happened? Yabusele scored 22 points, his highest mark at the 2024 Olympics, and countryman [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) of Virtus Segafredo Bologna erupted for 20 points, which was also his best scoring night in the tournament. France ended up winning 82-73 to set up a semifinal tie with Germany, the team that had beaten Vincent Collet’s men 71-85 in the final group-stage game.

Well, Yabusele again paced France with a team-high 17 points, followed by Cordinier with 16, as the hosts came out with a 73-69 victory to eliminate the 2023 FIBA World Cup champion. Once again, Yabusele had provided more evidence that he is the man for the big occasion.

Guerschon Yabusele in action against the United States in the men's final of the 2024 Olympic Games basketball tournament. (PHOTO: FIBA)

That was particularly true in the final against the United States. Steve Kerr’s group was full of all-NBA players, including James, Curry and Kevin Durant, among many others, yet Yabusele and – for the first time in the knockout stages – Wembanyama ensured the game went down to the wire. Come the final buzzer, the French duo had combined for 46 of France’s 87 points, with Yabusele netting 20 and Wembanyama 26, but it was the USA that managed to win 87-98.

There were tears and frustration afterward, but Yabusele’s heroics in the quarterfinals, semifinals and final ensured that the France players ended the tournament with a silver medal around their necks. Yabusele was one of six EuroLeague players to feature for France in the Olympic final, and he should receive a hero’s return when he heads to the arenas of Paris Basketball, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and AS Monaco this coming EuroLeague season.

After showing his quality on the world stage at the Olympics, EuroLeague fans will once again get to see Yabusele demonstrate his talent on a week-by-week basis in the 2024-25 campaign. There are just 52 days until Yabusele and Real will be back in action, with *Los Blancos* – last season's runners-up – travelling to take on FC Bayern Munich at the brand-new SAP Garden in Round 1.

The Real Madrid forward shined bright in the knockout stages

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv announced the signing of Daryl Macon for the coming season. 

Maccabi adds scorer Daryl Macon

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv announced on Sunday the signing of [Daryl Macon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daryl-macon-jr/011236/) for the coming season. The deal includes an option for a second year. 

Macon (1.88 meters, 28 years old) played for the Shenzhen Leopards last season and averaged 18.9 points and 6.1 assists before suffering a season-ending knee injury in January.

Macon returns to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after spending the 2021-22 season with Panathinaikos Athens. He averaged 13.1 points and 3.6 assists over 31 games. He was the Round 6 MVP after he scored 34 points on 9-of-12 three-point shooting against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">לכל הפרטים &gt; <a href="https://t.co/88lQpg5Ctj">https://t.co/88lQpg5Ctj</a><a href="https://twitter.com/_dmacon4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_dmacon4</a> <a href="https://t.co/2TNeAKNWA9">pic.twitter.com/2TNeAKNWA9</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1822576939959210407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


After playing college basketball at the University of Arkansas, Macon began his professional career in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks and also played for the Mavs’ G-League affiliate, Texas Legends. The following year he split time between the Miami Heat in the NBA and their affiliate, Sioux Falls Skyforce. Macon first came to Europe in 2020 to play for Galatasaray Istanbul and he joined AEK Athens midway through that season. He has since played for Panathinaikos, UNICS Kazan in Russia and Shenzhen in China. Macon helped UNICS win the VTB United League in 2023.

Best of Daryl Macon: 2021-22

More Maccabi news

He returns to the EuroLeague after playing for Panathinaikos in 2021-22

13 EuroLeague players bring home Olympic medals

The men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris came to a close of Saturday night with a baker's dozen players from the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague wearing medals. Six were from France, which finished with the silver medal, and the other seven played for Serbia, which bested Germany for the bronze medal.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">bUt tHeY LosT tHeiR preSeAsoN gAmEs 😭<br><br>Congratulations to Matthew Strazel and France for winning the SILVER medal in the Olympics 🥈🔥 <a href="https://t.co/06Cjfnqwrj">pic.twitter.com/06Cjfnqwrj</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket EN (@asmonaco_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/asmonaco_en/status/1822386725399753137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The list for France includes a reigning EuroLeague champion, [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, and a former champion, [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) of Real Madrid. They were joined by [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, [Frank Ntilikana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/) of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) of AS Monaco. France guard [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) of Dreamland Gran Canaria was the lone player in the BKT EuroCup to win a medal.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🥈 <a href="https://twitter.com/yabusele28?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yabusele28</a> logra la medalla de plata en los Juegos Olímpicos.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/HelhpuDa1N">pic.twitter.com/HelhpuDa1N</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1822388330077601835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

For Serbia, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade had three representatives with [Dejan Davidovac](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dejan-davidovac/007960/), [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ognjen-dobric/004007/) and [Uros Plavsic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/uros-plavsic/006240/). The first two had already won a silver medal last year in the Word Championships after falling to Germany in the final. The bronze is Plavsic's first major accolade as he gets ready to make his EuroLeague debut in 2024-25 with Zvezda.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">Бронза за Србију на <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a> у Паризу! Браво 🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Srbija?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Srbija</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZemljaKosarke?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZemljaKosarke</a> <a href="https://t.co/ck9oajzChR">pic.twitter.com/ck9oajzChR</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1822226138623602868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Olympiacos Piraeus contributed two players to the bronze medalists - big men [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) and [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/). Both of them also won that silver medal at the 2023 Worlds, meaning that the Serbian team has found a continuity that is bringing results. This is the second major accolade for each of them at the senior national team level, even if both had already won hardware with the youth categories of the national team.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🥉🙌🏽 Congratulations Nikola Milutinov and Filip Petrusev on winning the bronze medal at Paris Olympic Games 2024 with the Serbian National Team!!!<br><br>Well deserved!!! <br><br>We are Proud of you!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/igOYuxhKAf">pic.twitter.com/igOYuxhKAf</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1822230247900651805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) joined Partizan this summer and was another member of the team that won silver in 2023. Veteran [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has won the fourth major medal of his successful career. He won EuroBasket silver medals in 2017 and 2022 and, of course, he also won the silver last year at the Worlds. The Olympic bronze is his latest triumph in a fruitful career.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Oyuncumuz Marko Guduric evine Olimpiyat madalyası ile dönüyor. 🥉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrvWLAejOL">pic.twitter.com/DrvWLAejOL</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1822250429402529853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Six Serbs add Olympic bronze to 2023's silver at Worlds

In a re-match of last year's final of the World Championships, Serbia managed to best Germany, 83-93, on Saturday morning in the game for the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

Serbia defeats Germany, wins bronze medal in Paris

Stephen Curry made 4 three-pointers in the closing minutes to help the United States off America hold off France 87-98 in the 2024 Olympic Games gold medal game at Bercy Arena in Paris. It was a 3-point game with 3 minutes left before Curry took control for the Americans.

Curry finished with 24 points on 8-of-12 three-point shooting plus 5 assists, Devin Booker and Kevin Durrant added 15 points apiece and LeBron James paired 14 points with 10 assists for the winners. Victor Wembanyama paced France with 26 points and 7 rebounds, Guerschon Yabusele of Real Madrid netted 20 points and Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne scored 12 in defeat.

The teams traded shots early, with Wembanyama scoring 7 points, including a dunk, to give France an 11-10 edge. Both teams made wholesale changes to their lineups as the scoring slowed down. After an Anthony Edwards three-pointer gave the Americans a 13-17 lead, France called its first timeout. The scoreboard showed 15-20 at the end of the first quarter. Anthony Davis made his presence felt in the paint for the USA, but back-to-back threes by Yabusele and AS Monaco’s Matthew Strazel ignited an 8-0 run that pushed France back in front, 25-24. James helped the American regain control at 31-37. Yabusele threw down a poster dunk over James, but the USA offense kept scoring and Booker made it 36-46. Yabusele trimmed the deficit to 41-49 at the break.  

A strong start to the second half by Joel Embiid and Curry helped the USA stretch the lead to 47-61. De Colo helped spark the French attack and threes by Wembanyama and Evan Fournier made it 59-65. Davis stepped up with a tip-in and a block to keep the USA in charge. Fournier made a three and De Colo’s steal and layup on the third quarter buzzer drew France within 66-72. Jrue Holiday’s three-pointer made it 69-80 with 7 minutes remaining. France kept the pressure on and after a layup by De Colo and a steal that led to a free throw by Yabusele, it was 77-82 with 3 and a half minutes to go. After Wembanyama made it a 3-point game, Curry drilled a three-pointer with 2:45 left. Curry would make 2 more threes in the penultimate minute to all but wrap up the win. Wembanyama gave France hope with a three that made it 87-93, but another three by Curry sealed the outcome.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A RUN, LES BLEUS 🇫🇷<br><br>France claim 🥈 medal at home in Paris! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjRH69bTFt">pic.twitter.com/xjRH69bTFt</a></p>&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1822383538102006132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Serbia tops Germany to capture bronze 

In a re-match of last year's final of the World Championships, Serbia managed to best Germany, 83-93, on Saturday morning in the game for the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic and Nikola Jokic led the winners with 19 points apiece, Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 16, Aleksa Avramovic added 13, Olympiacos's Filip Petrusev chipped in with 11 and Partizan's Vanja Marinkovic added 10 for a total six players scoring in double digits. For Germany, Franz Wagner led the game with 18 points, Moritz Wagner posted 16, Dennis Schroder had 13 and Johannes Thiemann, 11.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">SVI ZA JEDNOG, JEDAN ZA SVI 🇷🇸<br><br>SERBIA CLAIM THE BRONZE! 🥉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/U2GmQ0dkpo">pic.twitter.com/U2GmQ0dkpo</a></p>&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1822223320948846957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The game opened from beyond the arc through Bogdanovic and Andreas Obst, but Jokic's basket soon made it 3-9. Serbia was setting the tone and managed to maintain a safe lead  that was only really threatened by Germany on a couple of occasions before the end of the first quarter, 21-30 after two free throws by Micic. Jokic's free throws made it a 14-point game by minute 13, but the Germans never let go as Obst closed the first half with another three, 38-46.

This was the trend throughout the rest of the game also. Serbia always managed its lead around the 10-point mark, 67-77 with 8:36 to go in the game. Moritz Wagner's layup with little more than five minutes left is all that Germany would be able to accomplish, 74-82. After that, a 0-5 burst by Serbia made it clear that it was on its way to the medal, and when Marinkovic nailed a three to make it 78-93 with three and a half minutes to go it was time for Serbia to start celebrating. The winners would not score a single point after that, but all that Germany could do was to trim it down to the final 10 points. 

More news from the Olympic Games

Serbia bested Germany for the bronze medal

USA holds off France to win Olympic gold medal

France will face the United States of America for the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after both registered come-from-behind wins in Thursdays semifinals at Bercy Arena. France outlasted reigning world champion Germany 73-69 in the first semifinal and then the USA erased a 17-point deficit to beat Serbia 95-91.

### France pushes past Germany in first semifinal 

The Germans dominated early to lead by double figures twice, but France came back to tie it by halftime and lead by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter. Germany made one last run, but came up short.

France outlasted reigning world champion Germany 73-69 in the first semifinal at Bercy Arena in Paris on Thursday to advance to the Olympic Gold Medal Game. The Germans dominated early to lead by double figures twice, but France came back to tie it by halftime and lead by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter. Germany made one last run, but came up short.

Guerschon Yabusele of Real Madrid paced the French attack with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Isaia Cordinier of Virtus Segafredo Bologna tallied 17 points and 7 boards, Victor Wembanyama added 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks and defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens scored 10. Dennis Schroder led Germany with 18 points and Franz Wagner had 10 in defeat.

Germany got off to a great start with Schroder and Franz Wagner leading the way to a 2-12 lead. After a France timeout, Cordinier came alive to halve the deficit to 5. Lessort kept France close and a three by Cordinier made it 16-18. Free throws by FC Bayern Munich’s Nick Weiler-Babb gave Germany an 18-25 cushion after 10 minutes. Weiler-Babb restored a double-digit lead for Germany with a three-pointer in the first minute of the second quarter. The French defense kept Germany scoreless for nearly 4 minutes while Wembanyama led a 7-0 run to cut the margin. Bayern’s Andreas Obst revived the German attack with a triple, but baskets in the paint by Yabusele and Wembanyama evened things, 33-33, at halftime.

Isaia Cordinier of France celebrates in his team's Olympic Games semifinal win over Germany. (Photo: FIBA)

Nicolas Batum’s three-pointer in the first minute of the second half gave France its first lead of the night. Yabusele and Johannes Voigtmann took the scoring reins for their respective teams with three baskets apiece. Yabusele thrilled the crowd with a fourth basket for Yabusele – this time with a bonus free throw added. Germany remained close behind on Mo Wagner’s dunk and briefly regained the lead, 48-49, on a Schroder floater. A three by Cordinier got France back on top and another by Evan Fournier made it 56-50 at the end of the third quarter. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard Frank Ntilikina soared for an offensive rebound and score to give France an 8-point lead. Isaac Bonga, who has been linked to Partizan for next season, gave Germany hope with a three, but Wembanyama responded in kind and Lessort scored in the paint for a 63-53 lead. After a Germany timeout, Ntilikina sank a triple for a 13-point lead. Daniel Theis and Bonga brought Germany within 67-60 and then Obst made a three and Schroder a layup to make it 69-65 with a minute to play. Franz Wagner silenced the arena with a three that made it 70-68 with 38.6 seconds remaining. The final seconds became a free-throw shooting contest and when Cordinier made 2 with 7.4 seconds left to put France up 4, the game was all but over.

### USA rallies late to edge Serbia 

The USA trailed for most of the night, but outscored Serbia down the stretch 18-7 to record a 95-91 win in the second semifinal. Stephen Curry scored 17 points in the first quarter and finished with 38 on 9-of-14 three-point shooting plus 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Joel Embiid added 19 points and LeBron James posted 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Two-time EuroLeague Rising Star Bogdan Bogdanovic paced Serbia with 20 points, Nikola Jokic paired 17 points with 11 assists and Aleksa Avramovic scored 15 in defeat. 

Serbia started out strong with crisp passing leading to three-pointers by Filip Petrusev of Olympiacos Piraeus and Avramovic and a 4-10 lead. Curry scored 14 points in the first 5 minutes to push the USA ahead 15-13. Avramovic remained hot with 2 more triples plus a steal and layup as Serbia went up 18-25. Curry kept the Americans close with another three-pointer, but free throws by Petrusev and a floater by Bogdanovic left Serbia with a 23-31 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Serbia went on a 0-11 run, fueled by threes from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul’s Marko Guduric and former EuroLeague MVP Vasa Micic, to extend the lead to 25-42. Embiid ended the American drought with 5 points in a 7-0 run, but Petrusev and Bogdanovic kept the Serbia offense rolling. A three-point play by James made it 43-54 at halftime.  

Filip Petrusev of Serbia and LeBron James of USA battle for a rebound. (Photo: FIBA)

Embiid and James combined for the first 5 points of the second half, but great shooting by Bogdanovic and Crvena Zvezda Merdianbet Belgrade’s Ognjen Dobric kept Serbia in control. Dobric’s second three made it 53-65. Back-to-back threes by Curry and Jrue Holiday got the Americans within 6 only to see Micic and Guduric restore a double-digit advantage and more. Kevin Durrant’s first basket of the game drew the USA within 63-76 after three quarters. James and Curry looked to jump-start the American attack at the start of the fourth quarter. Jokic was called for his fourth foul with 7:19 remaining in the game as Durrant made a three to get within 70-78. Booker followed with a triple to get within 5. Bogdanovic countered with a jumper, but Embiid took charge to trim the gap to 82-84. James tied it with a layup with 3:40 to play. Petrusev dunked only to see a three by Curry give the USA the lead. James made it 89-86 with 2 minutes remaining and Curry upped the difference to 5. Bogdanovic’s three-point play with 56.4 seconds left got Serbia within 91-89. Curry’s free throws with 8.2 seconds left made it a two-possession game and wrapped up a come-from-behind win for the USA. 

Germany and Serbia will meet for the bronze on Saturday

France, USA rally to reach Olympic gold medal game

Guerschon Yabusele of Real Madrid's brilliance was central to France's 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals at the Olympic Games at Bercy Arena in Paris 

Guerschon Yabusele was the man of the moment for France

There were many heroes for France in its 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals at the Olympic Games at Bercy Arena in Paris. [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/profile/009549/) of Virtus Segafredo Bologna carried the team offensively in the first half. Nicolas Batum’s defense on Dennis Schroder hampered the Germany attack. Victor Wembanyama’s long arms wreaked havoc at both ends of the floor. [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens was a wrecking ball in the paint. And Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/profile/006591/)’s timely rebounds and points in the fourth quarter were critical.

Above them all was [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/profile/010357/) of Real Madrid, who brilliance in the first 5 minutes of the third quarter turned the game around. In that time, Yabusele went off for 9 points, 2 rebounds and an assist. Even though his three-point play to end his magnificent run only made it 45-42, Yabusele’s energy changed the momentum in the game. The crowd even chanted “MVP, MVP” when Yabusele went to the line to complete that play.

He finished the game with a team-high 17 points and added 7 rebounds, which was toed for the team lead. Yabusele also led all players in PIR with 21.

Guerschon Yabusele of France celebrates against Germany in the Olympic semifinals in Paris. (Photo: FIBA)

Yabusele showed he meant business when he attacked the rim for a slam in the second minute of the third quarter. Batum and [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/profile/003425/) of Dreamland Gran Canaria kept him hot with assists, through [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/profile/007201/) and Schroder traded shots with him to keep things close. After Yabusele grabbed an offensive rebound and muscled it in while drawing a foul, he roared on the ground and the sold-out arena joined him.

When Germany showed signs of a comeback in the fourth quarter, it was Yabusele who drew a foul and sank 2 free throws on one end and made a defensive stop on Schroder at the other.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MVP OF FRANCE? 🇫🇷🐻<br><br>Guerschon Yabusele in group phase games at the Olympics: 𝟔.𝟖 𝐏𝐓𝐒 in 6 games<br><br>Guerschon Yabusele in elimination games at the Olympics: 𝟏𝟐.𝟐 𝐏𝐓𝐒 in 5 games<br><br>Rose to the occasion once again 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/5LtPMzWuQS">pic.twitter.com/5LtPMzWuQS</a></p>&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1821606148258328980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later, with 1:35 remaining, after Yabusele committed his fourth foul, he could be seen motioning to his teammates to calm down. He then grabbed the defensive rebound and made the entrance pass to Wembanyama, who found a cutting Cordiner for what could have been the game-clinching dunk.

Instead, Cordinier wound up on the floor and Yabusele, with 1:04 remaining, committed his fifth foul to stop a German fast break. Done on the court, he went to the mentioned and with his hands sent the message to the fans to cheer the team on. Which they did.

With Yabusele on the bench, France held on and now, on Saturday, he will have the chance to join a select group of players to win the EuroLeague and an Olympic gold medal.

More Olympic Games coverage 

The Real Madrid big man’s big third quarter helped France take control

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul announced on Thursday that team captain Melih Mahmutoglu has agreed to terms on a contract for the 2024-25 season

Fenerbahce, Captain Mahmutoglu agree on 12th season together

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul announced on Thursday that team captain [Melih Mahmutoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/melih-mahmutoglu/002969/) has agreed to terms on a contract for the 2024-25 season. This will mark the 12th season for Mahmutoglu (1.91 meters, 34 years old) with the club. He remains Fenerbahce’s longest-serving player, with 228 EuroLeague appearances in his 11 seasons to date. In that time, he has made 221 three-pointers at 40% and amassed 988 career points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Kaptan Melih Mahmutoğlu yuvasında kalıyor! 🖊💛💙<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/JXojmUD8Qj">https://t.co/JXojmUD8Qj</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZAOQcKnqw6">pic.twitter.com/ZAOQcKnqw6</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1821577790849990920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last season Mahmutoglu appeared in 9 EuroLeague games and averaged 1.4 points per game. He played a larger role in the Turkish League with 9.0 points on 38.4% shooting in 39 games. In his time with Fenerbahce, Mahmutoglu has helped the club to six EuroLeague Final Fours and the 2017 EuroLeague championships, six Turkish championships and four Turkish Cups. Mahmutoglu began his career with Anadolu Efes Istanbul and also played for Pertevniyal Istanbul, Darussafaka, Galatasaray, Antalya and Erdermispor before finding a home with Fenerbahce.  

Deep threes by Melih Mahmutoglu

More Fenerbahce news

The shooting guard has been with the club since the 2013-14 campaign

Fenerbahce, captain Mahmutoglu agree on 12th season together

The American guard has signed for two years

Baskonia adds Trent Forrest at point

On Thursday morning, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz announced an agreement with point guard Trent Forrest for the next two seasons. Forrest (1.94 meters, 26 years old) arrives from the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Last season, Forrest averaged 2.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 38 games. Forrest played college ball at Florida University from 2016 to 2020 and that same year he made his NBA debut with the Utah Jazz. This will be Forrest's debut overseas and his first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game with Baskonia will be on October 3, at home against Partizan Mozzart Bet Balgrade.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">✍️ ¡OFICIAL! 🏀<br><br>𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭, potencia física para la dirección de Baskonia 🔵🔴<br><br>Ongi etorri, <a href="https://twitter.com/TForrest_11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TForrest_11</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> | 🗞️ <a href="https://t.co/qpmX1j5JUp">https://t.co/qpmX1j5JUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/VOk2kquXBr">pic.twitter.com/VOk2kquXBr</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1821479255634497898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>