USA Edges Serbia in Thrilling Semifinal Comeback
In a game that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling comebacks in Olympic basketball history, the USA men's basketball team defeated Serbia 95-91 in the semifinals of the 2024 Olympics. This victory guarantees them a spot in the coveted gold medal game against France.
The win was nothing short of dramatic. The USA found themselves struggling for most of the game, trailing by a staggering 17 points at one stage and entering the final quarter down by 13 points. Serbia dominated much of the contest, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Nikola Jokic was a standout player for the Serbian team, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Veterans Lead the Way
USA Coach Steve Kerr, having spent most of the Olympics utilizing a deep rotation, put his faith in his veteran players with the game hanging in the balance. "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 proved pivotal. The lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker took command in the fourth quarter, outscoring Serbia 32-15.
It was Stephen Curry who ignited the offensive charge, delivering a performance for the ages. Curry rained down nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics, en route to scoring 36 points. His sharpshooting provided the spark the Americans needed to surge ahead.
LeBron James, ever the pivotal playmaker, showcased his enduring brilliance. "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 Olympic triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists." His all-around performance epitomized leadership and experience, providing the glue that held the team together during crucial moments.
Serbia's Breakdown
While the USA found new life in the closing moments, Serbia faltered. The Serbian team, known for their efficiency from beyond the arc, missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the decisive fourth quarter. Even the unwavering efforts of Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who had been effective from 3-point range earlier in the game, could not stave off the onslaught.
The decision-making from Kerr in the final quarter was crucial. His only substitution was bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, ensuring consistency and stability on the court. Kevin Durant, the consistent performer, was the only U.S. player who recorded a positive plus-minus, underscoring his impact during critical phases of the game.
Derrick White's brief stint of 6 minutes and 46 seconds, during which the USA was outscored by 16 points, highlighted the vital importance of Kerr’s reliance on veterans. This tactical decision paid off in rescuing the game from the precipice of defeat.
A Date with Destiny
With this heart-pounding victory, the USA now turns their focus to the gold medal game against France. The stage is set for another enthralling matchup as the Americans aim to continue their quest for Olympic glory. Coach Steve Kerr’s strategic acumen and the sheer talent of his veteran stars will once again be tested on the sport’s grandest stage.
As the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard reflected a hard-fought 95-91 victory, the team's resilience and star power became unequivocally clear. The triumph over Serbia not only secured a place in the final but also demonstrated the unyielding spirit and determination that defines this USA squad. The upcoming showdown with France promises to add another thrilling chapter to this unforgettable Olympic saga.