In a dramatic showdown at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team showcased their resilience and tenacity, delivering a thrilling 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals. This win secured the USA a coveted spot in the gold medal game against France.
A Game of Highs and Lows
The game was a roller coaster of emotions, with the USA finding themselves in dire straits, trailing by 17 points at one stage and entering the final quarter down by 13 points. Serbia dominated much of the game, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes.
Serbia's sharp shooting, especially from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, kept them in the lead. Nikola Jokic, a standout for Serbia, played nearly the entire game, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
As the game neared its conclusion, U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a decisive move. "Having spent most of the Olympics playing a deep rotation, U.S. coach Steve Kerr relied heavily on his veterans with the game on the line." This strategy paid off handsomely.
Stephen Curry emerged as the hero, devastating Serbia with nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. Curry finished with an impressive 36 points. The USA dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Serbia 32-15. Serbia's shooting faltered under pressure, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final quarter.
Veterans Lead the Charge
Alongside Curry, the closing lineup featured the experience and skill of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. James, playing the entire fourth quarter, was omnipresent. He racked up six points, six rebounds, and four assists in the final stretch, culminating in his second career Olympic triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. "James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch. Playing the entire fourth quarter, he had six points, six rebounds and four assists and finished with his second career Olympics triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists."
Coach Kerr's only significant fourth-quarter substitution was bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis, a move that solidified their defensive and offensive presence until the final seconds.
Durant's Impact
Kevin Durant was the lone U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his vital contribution to the team's success. Derrick White, on the other hand, experienced a challenging game. During his 6:46 minutes on the court, the USA was outscored by 16 points.
Gold Medal Game Ahead
As the USA prepares to face France in the gold medal game, the blend of veteran leadership and star power from players like Curry, James, and Durant suggests a promising showdown. The team's capacity to rally from significant deficits and perform under pressure was on full display in their victory over Serbia, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic final.
An inspiring comeback, strategic coaching decisions, and standout performances will be remembered as defining elements of this semifinal clash. The upcoming face-off with France now carries the weight of gold, with the USA poised to leverage their momentum and experience on the Olympic stage.