In a thrilling semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team mounted an extraordinary comeback to defeat Serbia, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France. The game, marked by dramatic swings and standout performances, ended with a 95-91 victory for the USA.
The road to the final wasn’t smooth for the American team, as they found themselves trailing by 17 points at one stage and entered the final quarter down by 13. Serbia displayed dominance for a significant portion of the game, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Key contributions came from Serbian players Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who excelled from beyond the arc. The backbone of the Serbian side, Nikola Jokic, was instrumental throughout, playing nearly the entire game and finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Veterans Stepping Up in the Final Quarter
With the game on the line, U.S. coach Steve Kerr deviated from his usual deep rotation strategy and leaned heavily on his veterans in the closing moments. The critical closing lineup included the charismatic Stephen Curry, the ever-reliable LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker.
"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," an observer noted. The decision paid off spectacularly as the USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter, orchestrating a comeback for the ages.
Stephen Curry's Shooting Clinic
Stephen Curry's performance was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his sharpshooting skills, Curry knocked down nine 3-pointers during the game, the second-most by an American player in Olympic history. He tallied an impressive 36 points, becoming a pivotal figure in the USA's offensive surge.
LeBron James was equally influential, showcasing his versatility and experience. Playing the entire fourth quarter, James contributed six points, six rebounds, and four assists during that period, culminating in a triple-double with 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," highlighted a game account of his performance.
Serbian Struggles Down the Stretch
While the USA flourished in the final moments, Serbia faltered. They missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter. This sudden lack of precision, particularly from downtown, proved costly. Despite Nikola Jokic's valiant efforts, the Serbian squad couldn't maintain their early game momentum.
Derrick White, who was part of Kerr's lineup for 6:46 minutes, saw the USA being outscored by 16 points during his time on the floor. Recognizing the need for a more seasoned presence, Kerr made a crucial fourth-quarter substitution, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds. This strategic move, along with sticking mostly to his veteran players, proved decisive.
Kevin Durant's Subtle Impact
Although not the headline grabber, Kevin Durant played a steady and influential role, emerging as the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals. His presence on the court provided a stabilizing effect during the intense final minutes of the game.
Looking Forward
The victory over Serbia sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated gold medal showdown between the USA and France. As fans and analysts alike dissect the semifinal clash, one thing remains clear: USA's blend of experienced leadership and clutch performances makes them a formidable contender for the top podium spot.
In a tournament filled with highs and lows, the USA men's basketball team has demonstrated resilience, tactical flexibility, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. As the gold medal game approaches, the excitement and expectations continue to build.