In a thrilling semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team overcame a significant deficit to edge out Serbia, 95-91, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France. The victory was hard-fought and reflective of the resilience and experience of the American squad, particularly during crucial moments in the game.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams and their supporters. Serbia dominated the majority of the match, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. At one point, the USA found themselves trailing by 17 points, and entered the final quarter down by 13 points. With Serbia's stellar shooting from 3-point range, featuring top performances by Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, the odds seemed stacked against the Americans.
Serbia's star player, Nikola Jokic, played almost the entire game. Jokic finished with 17 points along with a game-high 11 assists, contributing significantly to Serbia's early control of the game.
USA's Comeback in the Final Quarter
As the game entered its final stretch, U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a strategic shift, relying heavily on his veteran players. "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 veteran-heavy lineup included Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker, who proved pivotal in staging a comeback.
Stephen Curry was particularly outstanding, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and scoring a total of 36 points. Curry's sharp shooting and leadership on the floor ignited a rally that saw the USA outscore Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter.
LeBron James also delivered a remarkable performance, 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 and finished with his second career Olympics triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists."
Serbia's Struggles in the Clutch
Despite their early dominance, Serbia faltered when it mattered most. They missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter, unable to keep pace with the surging American team. Jokic's valiant efforts were not enough to withstand the USA's onslaught, especially with Curry and James finding their rhythm.
Coach Steve Kerr kept his substitutions to a minimum in the final period, making only one significant change by bringing Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis until the final seconds. This decision paid off as the experienced lineup held their ground and capitalized on Serbia's missed opportunities.
Notably, Derrick White's minutes in the game were challenging for the USA. In the 6:46 minutes he played, the team was outscored by 16 points, emphasizing the impact of the veterans when the game was on the line.
Looking Ahead: Gold Medal Game Against France
With the victory sealed, the USA now turns their focus to the gold medal game where they will face France. The anticipation is palpable, as the American team aims to continue their momentum and clinch another Olympic title.
Kevin Durant, the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, will be crucial in their matchup against France. His performance, along with the leadership and experience of players like Curry, James, and Embiid, will be vital as they prepare for the final showdown.
The semifinal game against Serbia was a testament to the depth and resilience of the U.S. team. The comeback in the final quarter highlighted their ability to perform under pressure and the strategic acumen of Coach Steve Kerr. As they head into the final, the team's mixture of veteran leadership and dynamic play will be central to their quest for gold.