The Olympic semifinals for men's basketball took place on Thursday, with the United States and France coming away as the victors. Of course, what this means is that Minnesota Timberwolves fans will have two of their franchise stars going head-to-head for the right to call themselves Olympic gold medalists.
Both teams came away from Thursday's contests with very close wins. France went down to the wire with Germany, needing two clutch free throws from Isaia Cordinier to seal the deal. They took down the 2023 World Cup champs, guaranteeing themselves a medal for the first time since 1996.
Rudy Gobert once again played sparingly in the contest, recording just one rebound and one assist in five minutes of action. His finger injury seems to still be bothering him, and his status going forward is uncertain.
Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert will meet in the gold medal game
In Team USA's win, it was not so much of an Anthony Edwards game. He came off the bench and made just one of his three shot attempts in 13 minutes of play. It was the heroics of Stephen Curry that got the job done for the American team.
With the US down two and less than 2:30 remaining, Steph made a three-pointer that would give the Americans the lead for good. It was the finishing touches on a masterful 36-point performance. Team USA will advance to the gold medal game for the eighth time in the last nine Olympics.
When they get there, one Timberwolves star will square off with another, assuming Rudy Gobert is healthy and good to go. Of course, American fans will be cheering for their home squad, and French fans for theirs. For Wolves fans of other nationalities, this will be the ultimate neutral-viewing experience.
It is safe to say that everyone in Minnesota will be tuned in for this one, and even more safe to say that Anthony Edwards' thoughts will be consumed with dunking on top of his Timberwolves teammate on his way to gold.