To continue to stay undefeated in the first four games, Team USA has cruised to the semi-final of the Paris Olympics. Their next opponents? A resilient Serbian squad led by Nikola Jokic, who LeBron James and Co. dominated last month in the opening encounter. Despite the stakes getting higher, LeBron’s former teammate Channing Frye expects Team USA to continue their momentum from the quarter final win against Brazil and make light work of the three-time MVP’s team on August 9.
Discussing Team USA’s next matchup on The Road Trippin’ Podcast, the panel was asked if they think Serbia would be able to fare well against the tournament favorites. Sure enough, Frye had complete faith in Team USA’s abilities, “Blowing Serbia the f**k out.” Maybe, he was so sure of the outcome because Nikola Jokic and Co. got blown out 84-110 the last time they faced Team USA.
During that game, Kevin Durant and LeBron James took over as they combined for 44 points in the win. Notably, the game was also KD’s first game back from his calf injury. And he will be much more prepared on Friday having played every game since the opener. Moreover, Team USA is coming off their best performance of the tournament so far as they blew Brazil out 122-87 in the quarter final. So, you can expect their confidence to be at an all-time high heading into the semi-final.
Meanwhile, Serbia barely made it to the next round as they were almost eliminated in an overtime thriller against Australia. And if it wasn’t for Jokic’s near triple-double performance, they might not even be in the running for the gold medal. Adding more insult to injury, Channing made another bold claim about Serbia’s Olympics future, “I don’t think Serbia’s gonna medal. I think Germany gets bronze, France gets silver and America wins the gold.”
Channing Frye knows what the world wants
After predicting a bleak future for the Serbian team, Frye voiced every basketball fan’s wish, “Everyone wants to see France vs. USA. That’s what the f**k we want to see.” Ever since the event began, people have been anticipating a finals encounter between the legendary Team USA and French sensation Victor Wembanyama. For that to happen, Team USA must continue their winning streak against Serbia, and France will need to defeat the reigning World Champions, Germany.
Surely, LeBron, Steph, and KD, who have carried the league for decades, going up against the possible future face of the NBA in Wemby will blow the ratings through the roof. But it will not be that simple for France to get there as the German squad stands in their way. Moreover, the last time these two teams met, Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner balled out to combine for 52 points and led Germany to an 85-71 victory against the host nation. Obviously, that can happen again in the semi-final.
However, unlike Channing, Richard Jefferson has no issues with a Germany vs. USA final, “I don’t mind taking down the World Champions and making sure people know that the NBA Champion is the best team in the world.” Referring to the controversy that begun after sprinter Noah Lyles questioned the league’s World Champion claim last year. Whoever the opponent, the most important thing for Team USA is to stand on the podium on the final day with gold around their necks.
