Team USA showed up when the lights shone brightest against Serbia, especially Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.
Embiid went on a tear in the second half, pulling the USA back within striking distance before LeBron James and Stephen Curry sealed the win. Fellow big man Anthony Davis didn't need to say much regarding their semifinals victory.
“Got two words. Stephen Curry. Joel Embiid," Davis said, per Marc J. Spears.
Anthony Davis: “Got two words. Stephen Curry. Joel Embiid.”
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 8, 2024
Fans immediately pointed out this remark is more than two words, reminding them of an iconic meme from Sixers legend Charles Barkley. While on a TNT broadcast many years ago, Barkley said, "I've got two words for you. Chris Paul and Steve Nash. Must see TV."
He was corrected on the spot, comedically switching his statement to: "Nash and Paul." Still, not two words.
Never forget when Charles Barkley said he had two words for us:
— Slam (@slamstudios) September 3, 2022
“Steve Nash. And Chris Paul. Must see TV.” 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/jkdRq2VTwd
Davis wasn't the only one to find a unique way to praise Embiid's play, as Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey took to social media.
He wrote, "Hey Joel," paired alongside a GIF of Embiid eating.
Maxey and Embiid will look to overcome the hump of the Eastern Conference Semifinals this year, largely due to the addition of forward Paul George. This newly formed Big Three arguably poses the greatest threat to the NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Regardless of the lighthearted mistake from Davis, the USA feels unbeatable after overcoming a 17-point deficit. They will take on Victor Wembanyama and the home country of France on Saturday evening for the gold medal.
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