Close proximity to hooping glory for Parker, France as they edge closer to inaugural basketball gold
France and Lithuania Square Off in EuroBasket 2013 Final
It's history in the making! Tony Parker's France takes on Lithuania for the gold in the final match of EuroBasket 2013. Parker has led his team to victory after victory, claiming MVP honors in the process, and now stands one match away from France's first major basketball title.
A tense semifinal battle against two-time defending champion Spain saw Parker netting a spectacular 32 points, securing a narrow 75-72 overtime victory. With another epic performance on Sunday, France can claim the gold medal.
Fancy a stroll down memory lane? Two years ago, France found themselves in an identical position but came up just short against Spain in the final. This time around, Parker isn't about to let their hard-fought victory slip away. "We've been coming closer, and we want the best medal now," he stated after the dramatic semifinal victory.
France's success against Spain also marked a personal milestone. With 21 points in the final, Parker will become the all-time leading scorer at the tournament, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki and Nikos Galis.
France's roster boasts six NBA players, led by Parker, Boris Diaw, and Nicolas Batum. The team showed incredible resilience in the semifinals, coming back from a 14-point deficit to overpower the Spanish giants. "I would've left my life on the court, but I was going to win this game," France forward Florent Pietrus declared after the match.
Meanwhile, Lithuania, a perennial powerhouse in European basketball, Russell the doubters by advancing to the final. The team demonstrated offensive balance and a fast-paced game in their 77-62 semifinal victory over Croatia. Players like Jonas Maciulis, Linas Kleiza, and Mantas Kalnietis stepped up to deliver impressive scoring performances.
France coach Vincent Collet acknowledged the improved team dynamic and drive this year compared to two years ago. Lithuania, on the other hand, remains proud of their achievement, having not reached the final since their third title in 2003. This highly-anticipated clash between France and Lithuania promises to deliver an electrifying finish to EuroBasket 2013.
The French basketball team, comprised of six NBA players including Tony Parker, is poised to make headlines once again as they aim to claim the gold in the EuroBasket 2013 final, while the art of basketball in the NBA, especially the sport of basketballill, will be showcased by Lithuania in the final match against France. With Parker on target for the all-time scoring record at the tournament, the news of his potential milestone adds to the excitement of this sporting event.
