The hoops battle at the 2024 Paris Olympics has reached the semi-final stage. While the star-filled Team USA roster will fight it out against Serbia, Germany and the host country France are competing to secure a place in the Finals. The game has turned out to be a high-stakes one, which is why the Bercy Arena in Paris has renowned celebrities occupying the front-row seats. From basketball to hip-hop, these big names unite for one night of adrenaline-rushed excitement!

Travis Scott has had trouble avoiding the press, as he recently went viral for telling the paparazzi, who were waiting outside his place of stay till 5 am, to “go to the park, go to the movies.” Seemingly at peace now, the rapper, decked in a Sand Springs Public School Letterman jacket, sat beside Michael Rubin courtside enjoying the ball game.

Amongst the hoops celebrities present is Gregg Popovich, longtime head coach of the Spurs. Along with the 28 years he has devoted to the NBA franchise, the 75-year-old also had experience on the international stage and led Team USA to victory in the Tokyo Olympics. Now, he sits on the sidelines, possibly cheering for his young prodigy, Victor Wembanyama.

After his appearance two days ago, Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki was spotted again, cheering for the Germans. Having been a part of the national team, he’s been highly appreciative of Franz Wagner and Co. calling them “the best generation we’ve ever had” and “the most complete team.” However, he was not alone, as beside him was 4x NBA champion and fellow 2023 Hall of Famer Tony Parker. With their respective teams battling it out, the former players sitting together displayed an unspoken feeling of sportsmanship!

WNBA legend Sue Bird also graced the event with her presence, joined by her longtime fiancée and USWNT soccer legend Megan Rapinoe, the 43-year-old may very well be on the lookout to see who will take on Team USA at the Olympics Finals. That’s if Serbia does not give them a tough fight in their game! The celebrities couldn’t have picked a better game to scout. After all, every quarter in this game seems to be an action-packed one.

Guerschon Yabusele and Dennis Schroder establish leads in the France-Germany matchup, the game goes down to the wire!

As the third quarter ended, France secured the lead, 56-50. After faltering during the first quarter and giving their rivals a 7-point headstart, the home side has recovered quickly. The credit for the same goes to the combined efforts of Isaia Cordinier and Geurschon Yabusele, who dropped 14 and 15 points, respectively, as of then.

Just weeks after Yabusele’s availability was questioned because of his knee issues, he has taken the offensive charge instead of Wemby, who last scored in the single-digit against Canada and continues to replicate the same intensity against Germany. The former Celt made efficient use of his shooting skills, going 7-11 with his field goals, 0-2 with his three-pointers, and 3-3 with his field throws in a successful cause.

From the German side, Dennis Schroder attempted his best to stay on par with their rivals. He dropped 18 points, going 6-18 with his field goals, 3-11 with his three-pointers, and 3-4 with the field throws. Unfortunately, none of his teammates could get their scores to the double digits, except Wagner, who managed only 10, putting the visitors who had a perfect 4-0 record at a serious disadvantage.

With 6 minutes left, France took their lead to 66-55 and managed to hold on to it. Germany was closing in to pull off a last-minute miracle after a Franz Wagner clutch ripper from deep, making the scoreline 70-68! However, he missed the next big opportunity, turning the ball over, and the home side nervously made its way to the final, handing Germany its major tournament loss in two years!

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.