"It was real-time, real s**t" - Carmelo Anthony breaks silence on Bogdan Bogdanovic's taunt-like celebration at Olympics
Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic boldly mimicked NBA legend Carmelo Anthony's signature celebration in front of him at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While some viewed Bogdanovic's celebration as a taunt toward the three-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist, according to Anthony, he considered it a sign of respect.
Bogdanovic and Serbia got off to a hot start against Team USA in their Aug. 8 semifinal matchup, building a 17-point first-half advantage. Late in the second quarter, Bogdanovic drilled a 3-pointer to extend his squad's lead to 47-32. Afterward, he broke out Anthony's signature "three to the dome" celebration, with the latter sitting courtside.
The moment quickly went viral on social media. However, Team USA ultimately rallied for a 95-91 comeback win behind superstar guard Steph Curry's game-high 36 points.
Nevertheless, Bogdanovic was commended for his team-best 20-point performance, including from Anthony, who commented "RESPEC7" on Instagram.
On Thursday's episode of the "7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & Kid Mero" podcast, Anthony broke down Bogdanovic's viral celebration. He highlighted their mutual respect, noting that he did his best to mask his emotions as Serbia pulled away from his home country.
"It was real-time, real s**t going on," Anthony said. "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.
"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," he continued.
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Bogdan Bogdanovic and Carmelo Anthony shared heartwarming moment following Serbia's bronze medal victory
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Co. may have come up short against Team USA in their Olympic semifinal clash. However, they redeemed themselves during Saturday's bronze-medal showdown against Germany, winning 93-83.
After the contest, Bogdanovic, who tallied 16 points, three assists and three 3-pointers, shooting 50.0%, shared a heartwarming moment with Carmelo Anthony. The two embraced on the sideline, with Anthony seemingly sharing a message of encouragement to the Serbian sharpshooter.
The interaction quelled any remaining concerns about lingering animosity between the two.
This year's bronze medal win marked Bogdanovic's second Olympic medal. He was also a member of the Serbians' silver medal-winning squad at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
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