Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; United States centre Joel Embiid (11) celebrates after the game against Serbia in a men's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid's Dunk Went Viral In USA-Serbia Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Aug 9, 2024 1:35 AM ET

On Thursday afternoon, Team USA faced off against Serbia at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

During the first half, Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid had a big dunk that got a lot of views on social media.

Via NBC Olympics & Paralympics: "JOEL EMBIID THROWS IT DOWN WITH AUTHORITY.

USA Network and Peacock | #ParisOlympics"

JOEL EMBIID THROWS IT DOWN WITH AUTHORITY.

USA Network and Peacock | #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/pUon7sfXWU
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 8, 2024

Team USA pulled off a massive comeback and won by a score of 95-91 to advance to the gold medal round.

They are a perfect 5-0 in the tournament.

Let me make this clear: USA would’ve gotten spanked in this semifinal game without Joel Embiid.

Respect. pic.twitter.com/Umlfs7oBBc
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 8, 2024

Embiid finished the victory with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block while shooting 8/11 from the field and 2/3 from the three-point range in 27 minutes of playing time.

He came up huge for Team USA in the fourth quarter.

MVP Embiid has arrived…
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) August 8, 2024

In addition to Embiid, they were also led by two-time MVP Steph Curry.

The Golden State Warriors superstar finished with 36 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal while shooting 12/19 from the field and 9/14 from the three-point range in 33 minutes of playing time.

LeBron said that Steph and Embiid carried them today
pic.twitter.com/4oKoZNPGJN
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) August 9, 2024

Team USA will now face off against France for a chance to win their fifth straight Gold medal.

Via ESPN: "STEPH CURRY LEADS TEAM USA TO A HUGE COMEBACK WIN OVER SERBIA

USA advances to the gold medal game against France "

STEPH CURRY LEADS TEAM USA TO A HUGE COMEBACK WIN OVER SERBIA

USA advances to the gold medal game against France pic.twitter.com/RUEPt2YGVM
— ESPN (@espn) August 8, 2024

Embiid is coming off another fantastic season for the 76ers where he averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocks per contest while shooting 52.9% from the filed and 38.8% from the three-point range.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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