In a thrilling semifinals matchup at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team made a spectacular comeback to defeat Serbia 95-91, securing their place in the gold medal game against France. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the USA overcoming significant hurdles to clinch victory.
Early Struggles for Team USA
The game started on a challenging note for the American squad. Trailing by as much as 17 points at one stage, they entered the final quarter down by 13 points. Serbia dominated the game's first 35 minutes, with key players like Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric excelling from beyond the arc. Center Nikola Jokic was particularly impressive, logging almost the entire game with a notable 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Veterans Lead the Comeback
With the game slipping away, U.S. coach Steve Kerr turned to his experienced veterans. "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," noted a keen observer.
The lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker proved to be the turning point. Stephen Curry, in particular, was on fire, making nine 3-pointers— the second-most by a U.S. men’s basketball player in the Olympics— and finishing with 36 points. His sharp shooting and agile play were pivotal in closing the gap.
King James Shines
LeBron James was equally influential, achieving 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," a sports analyst reported.
Fourth Quarter Domination
The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter, showcasing their defensive prowess and strategic plays. Serbia, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final period. Steve Kerr made only one substitution in the fourth quarter, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, underscoring his trust in the seasoned lineup on the floor.
Subplots and Highlights
Derrick White's brief stint on the court was less than ideal; the U.S. was outscored by 16 points during his 6:46 minutes of play. Despite this setback, Kevin Durant stood out, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, further highlighting his critical role in the team.
Securing the Victory
Ultimately, the resilience and tactical adjustments by Team USA proved decisive. The squad's ability to adapt and capitalize on Serbia's faltering offensive in the final quarter underscored their championship pedigree.
As they prepare for the gold medal clash against France, the USA men's basketball team carries forward the momentum from this dramatic win. The stage is set for an exciting finale, with fans eagerly anticipating what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.