What a basketball game Serbia vs Team USA ended up being. Serbia had been talked about as potentially being the biggest threat to Team USA in this Summer's Olympics and they almost pulled off a historic upset. The 4th quarter was awesome from start to finish, but one moment that everyone is going to remember occured during the first half. After hitting a big shot, Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic did the famous Carmelo Anthony shot celebration- with Anthony in attendance- and had the sports world buzzing.
Today, Team USA and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker responded on Instagram to Bogdanovic's celebration:
DEVIN BOOKER’S RESPONSE TO BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC MOCKING CARMELO ANTHONY’S CELEBRATION 👀🔥“RESPECT THE LEGENDS” pic.twitter.com/dyGwusTQk5
While Team USA went on to win, Serbia put up a heck of a fight. It is going to be quite the scene on Saturday when Team USA faces Victor Wembanyama and France for the Gold Medal.
Bogdanovic was the 5th leading scorer in the entire Summer Olympics, averaging 18.8 PPG, shooting 47% from the field and 43% from three. He ended up tied with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic for 5th.
Bogdan Bogdanovic’s Taunt and LeBron James’ Response
Serbian star Bogdan Bogdanovic taunted Carmelo Anthony during Thursday’s Olympic basketball semifinal against Team USA, adding fuel to an already hotly contested game.
The referees had to intervene in the skirmish and tell James several times to return to the USA bench, as Anthony shook his head in disapproval.
Shortly after the incident, James backed Bogdanovic down in the post before scoring on him and doing the “too small” gesture while pointing to the court.
Devin Booker’s Response to Bogdanovic's Taunt
Bogdanovic’s antics clearly stirred up some frustration in Team USA, although after cutting the deficit to single digits, they fell back behind 15 during the third quarter.
Bogdan Bogdanovic üçlüğü buldu ardından LeBron James biraz sinirlendi.👀 pic.twitter.com/X12D19oVSh
After the game, James immediately went up to Anthony and celebrated the victory with one of his best friends.
The U.S., led by James, Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid, furiously came back in the fourth quarter to win the game 95-91.
After the game, Bogdanovic blamed the referees for the defeat.
USA guard Devin Booker also took offense to Bogdanovic’s taunting of Anthony.
“Respect the legends @stayme7o,” Booker posted on his Instagram Story.
A Look Back at the History of the Taunt
Anthony is among the most decorated Olympic athletes in US history, having nabbed four medals during his career, including three golds, and playing in a record 31 games for Team USA.
What’s Next for Team USA?
USA now looks to snag a gold medal in the Olympics for the 18th time in 20 tournaments that they’ve participated in.
They are set to play France on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Is This a Case of “Poking the Bear?”
The reaction from US players to Bogdanovic's celebration was a bit surprising. It was a friendly, playful taunt, and it's not like Bogdanovic was disrespecting the game, or anyone on Team USA personally. After all, he was simply having fun and taking advantage of a moment of success for his team.
It's possible that the US players were feeling some pressure after trailing in the first half, and Bogdanovic's celebration was just the spark they needed to ignite their competitive fire. It could also be that they were feeling protective of their legend, Anthony, especially given the history between the two players.
Either way, it's safe to say that the moment will be remembered as one of the most unexpected and talked about moments of the 2024 Olympics, especially when it comes to the game between Team USA and Serbia.
One thing is for sure: the celebration added some spice to the game, and provided a valuable lesson for the future: never underestimate the power of a “Three to the Dome.”
