Despite an outstanding performance against the United States, Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Serbian team came up short in their semifinal clash, with Steph Curry and his star-studded American squad ultimately securing the victory. Although disappointed, Bogdanovic remained composed as he reflected on the game and looked ahead to the next challenge.
Bogdanovic Reflects on Team’s Resilience and Officiating Controversies After Narrow Defeat
“We never gave up, and that’s something we can be proud of,” Bogdanovic said, acknowledging the team’s effort and determination. When asked about the officiating, a topic that had raised some eyebrows during the game, Bogdanovic chose his words carefully. “I don’t want to dwell on the refs,” he said, emphasizing that while there may have been questionable calls, focusing on them wouldn’t change the outcome.
He went on to elaborate on the team’s performance, recognizing both their strengths and areas where they fell short. “We played the best we could,” Bogdanovic noted. “Of course, we could have made a few more shots and taken better care of the ball in the final moments, but that’s the nature of basketball.” He expressed a level of frustration with the officials, particularly their unwillingness to engage in dialogue. “We tried to talk to them, but they just walked away,” he admitted. “But it’s okay. I’m not the kind of guy who complains about referees. I wanted to beat them too, but we kept our composure, and I respect us for that.”
Looking forward, Bogdanovic shifted his focus to the upcoming bronze medal game, which he knows will be another tough battle. “We did some good things today, but in the end, we lost. Now, we have two days to recover and get ready to fight for the bronze,” he said with determination. “Those same referees might be there, but I refuse to have a defeatist mindset. Sure, some calls could have gone differently, but that’s out of our control. We need to focus on what we can control—our recovery, our preparation, and playing the best game we can.”
Bogdanovic’s words reflect a player who, despite the disappointment of a semifinal loss, is determined to rally his team for one final push. His pragmatic approach and leadership will be crucial as Serbia aims to secure a place on the podium and bring home the bronze.
