USA Men's Basketball Triumphs Over Serbia in Dramatic Comeback to Secure Gold Medal Spot
In a game that will be remembered for its intensity and drama, the USA men's basketball team eked out a thrilling 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals of the 2024 Olympics. The win secured their place in the gold medal game against France.
A Rocky Start
The game began with Serbia taking an early lead, bolstered by the impressive performances of Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who displayed remarkable accuracy from 3-point range. Nikola Jokic, a cornerstone for Serbia, played nearly the entire match, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Serbia led for more than 35 of the 40 minutes of the game, dominating the scoreboard and at one point, establishing a 17-point lead over the USA.
The Turning Point
Despite trailing by 13 points as they entered the final quarter, the USA team demonstrated remarkable resilience. "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," observed one analyst. This strategic pivot proved critical in the contest's closing stages.
Steve Kerr's decision to put faith in his star-studded lineup paid off. Stephen Curry, who made an astounding nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men’s basketball player in Olympic history—was at the forefront of the offensive onslaught. His remarkable shooting helped him accumulate 36 points by the end of the game.
LeBron James also played a pivotal role, contributing his second career Olympic 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," recalled a courtside observer. His all-around performance was instrumental in the USA’s comeback.
Joining Curry and James were Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker, who collectively orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. The team outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter. Serbia, who had been so proficient from beyond the arc earlier in the game, missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final quarter.
Defensive and Offensive Mastery
Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his impact on both ends of the floor. Steve Kerr made only one substitution in the closing quarter, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis. This lineup, characterized by its veteran presence and composure, was unwavering in its execution and focus.
Serbia's struggles were compounded during Derrick White's 6:46 minutes on the court, during which the USA was outscored by 16 points. The efficient and seamless play of the USA's critical closing lineup starkly contrasted Serbia's faltering execution in the clutch moments.
Final Countdown
As time elapsed, the USA's control of the game became clearer. Serbia's last-ditch efforts fell short, and the American team’s veteran leadership ensured there would be no letting up. This hard-fought victory sets the stage for a tantalizing gold medal game against France, promising another chapter in the storied legacy of USA Basketball.
With seasoned players like James, Curry, and Durant at the helm, the US team demonstrated the heart, talent, and determination that have come to define them. They showcased why they remain the benchmark in international basketball—a combination of skill, strategic ingenuity, and indomitable spirit that promises an exciting showdown in the final.
As they prepare for the gold medal game, the USA team can draw confidence from their remarkable semifinal comeback. The upcoming clash with France promises high anticipation, and if the semifinal game was any indication, basketball fans worldwide are in for another exhilarating spectacle.