In a moment that quickly captured the attention of the basketball world, Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic stirred up a mix of admiration and controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics by mimicking NBA legend Carmelo Anthony’s iconic “three to the dome” celebration. The gesture came during Serbia’s semifinal matchup against Team USA, where Bogdanovic’s team held a surprising 17-point lead in the first half. The celebration, performed with Anthony watching courtside, sparked a wave of reactions on social media and left many questioning the Serbian star’s intentions.
Bogi hit the three to the dome celly in front of Melo 😱 pic.twitter.com/fwMCIcHUAe— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 8, 2024
The Viral Moment:
The pivotal moment occurred late in the second quarter when Bogdan Bogdanovic drained a three-pointer to extend Serbia’s lead to 47-32. As he backpedaled down the court, he flashed Anthony’s signature celebration—a move that Anthony himself popularized during his illustrious NBA career. With Anthony seated just feet away, the gesture was instantly seen as a bold statement. The clip of Bogdanovic’s celebration quickly went viral, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
Many wondered whether Bogdanovic’s move was a taunt aimed at the three-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist or a tribute to one of the game’s greats. In the highly charged atmosphere of an Olympic semifinal, where emotions run high and the stakes are enormous, the interpretation of such gestures can often be subjective.
Carmelo Anthony’s Response:
Surprisingly, Anthony took the celebration in stride and even went as far as to commend Bogdan Bogdanovic. On Instagram, he responded with a comment that read, “RESPEC7,” signaling that he saw the gesture as a sign of admiration rather than disrespect. This reaction was further clarified during Thursday’s episode of the “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & Kid Mero” podcast, where Anthony discussed the incident in detail.
pic.twitter.com/UO3SPV44DL— Bogdan Bogdanovic (@LeaderOfHorde) August 9, 2024
“It was real-time, real s**t going on,” Anthony recalled. “I’m not even saying [anything] to Bogi. I’m like, as he’s playing, he makes a shot, ‘Oh, I like that, Bogi. I see you.’ I’m talking that s**t to him. So, I appreciate everybody taking my side, but the real s**t was he was showing love.”
Anthony’s comments suggest that rather than feeling slighted, he appreciated the homage, even if it came at a moment when Serbia was threatening to upset Team USA. “I really wanted to cheer. He knocked that 3 down like that, I’m like, ‘I can’t show [any] emotion, just accept what comes with it.’ I really wanna be like, ‘Yo, that was crazy.’ I wanted to point at him,” Anthony continued.
“That was probably one of the best games I’ve ever been to.”
Melo reveals how it really went down at the USA vs Serbia matchup and his moment with Bogdan Bogdanović 👀
New episode live now, tap in!
📺: https://t.co/BsdYttaF6q pic.twitter.com/lmntLlJ8ZG— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) August 15, 2024
The Aftermath: A Display of Mutual Respect
Despite Serbia’s strong start, Team USA rallied to win the game 95-91, largely thanks to a stunning 36-point performance from Steph Curry. Bogdan Bogdanovic, however, remained a standout for Serbia, finishing with a team-best 20 points. Following the game, Anthony’s praise for Bogdanovic on social media further solidified the mutual respect between the two athletes.
In a heartwarming postscript to the semifinal drama, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Anthony shared a moment of camaraderie after Serbia’s victory over Germany in the bronze-medal game. Serbia’s 93-83 win secured Bogdanovic his second Olympic medal, adding a bronze to his silver from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. The two players embraced on the sideline, with Anthony offering words of encouragement to the Serbian sharpshooter. This interaction, captured by cameras, dispelled any lingering notions of animosity and showcased the sportsmanship that underpins the Olympic spirit.
The incident between Bogdan Bogdanovic and Carmelo Anthony underscores the complexities of sports gestures and the fine line between tribute and taunt. In an age where every move on the court can be instantly broadcasted and dissected by millions, the intent behind such actions becomes a subject of intense scrutiny. Bogdanovic’s celebration, while initially seen by some as provocative, ultimately served as a reminder of the respect that transcends competition.
Anthony’s gracious response highlights the maturity and perspective that comes with being a seasoned veteran. His ability to recognize the gesture as one of respect, despite the heated circumstances, speaks volumes about his character and the bond shared by players at the highest level of the game.
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