Rawel Visual / Atlanta Hawks (DR)
By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
After openly provoking Carmelo Anthony during the clash between the USA and Serbia at the Olympic Games, Bogdan Bogdanovic made friends not only on American soil. The Serbian star also had to explain his action after the match.
The semifinal at the Olympic Games between Team USA and Serbia will go down in history for a long time. Because Nikola Jokic’s gang almost achieved the upset of the century, leading for a long time and comfortably against the American troll. Bogdan Bogdanovic even took the liberty of provoking a certain Carmelo Anthony present at the edge of the court to encourage his compatriots. How? By mimicking his signature celebration.
Bogdan Bogdanovic really hit Melo’s celebration right in front of him 💀 pic.twitter.com/TTbkEIrPGs
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) August 8, 2024
Bogdanovic explains himself after imitating Carmelo Anthony
The fullback’s gesture was badly received in the United States, with Devin Booker even taking it upon himself to return the favor in time as the Americans went back in front in the scoring. Furious after his family’s defeat however, due to the treatment reserved for them by the refereeing body, Bogdanovic wanted to clear things up about the former Knicks winger by explaining his action:
Bogdan Bogdanovic on his gestures against Carmelo Anthony in the USA game: “I always compete with fire. I’ve been doing it for a long time. I know some people think it’s a provocation. But for me it’s the enjoyment and the competitiveness. I only have love and respect for having Melo here as…
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) 10 August 2024
I always face adversity like this. I have done that for a long time. I know some people take it as provocation, but for me I just enjoy the competition. I have nothing but love and respect for Melo, who is a FIBA legend.
A simple tribute in its own way, although the guard will not convince many people with this explanation. On the other hand, Melo himself doesn’t seem to hold it against him. We saw them chatting after Serbia’s win against Germany in the bronze medal match with smiles on their faces:
BOOK 🤝 MELO
All for the love of sport! Bogdan Bogdanovic and Carmelo Anthony were seen shaking hands after Serbia won the bronze medal against FIBA world champion Germany.#Paris2024 #BEER
📸 FIBA pic.twitter.com/DG1y4ewove
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) 10 August 2024
We’ll also remember Carmelo Anthony celebrating over Bogdan Bogdanovic during a game between Team USA and Serbia a few years ago. The rear party therefore merely rendered the service in addition to paying homage to him.
