The USA men's basketball team pulled off a dramatic comeback to secure their place in the gold medal game of the 2024 Olympics, defeating Serbia 95-91 in a thrilling semifinal. This victory ensures that the USA will now face France in the quest for the top podium spot.
A Rocky Start
Things hardly started smoothly for the American squad. At one point, they trailed Serbia by a daunting 17 points. Entering the final quarter, the team faced a 13-point deficit, with Serbia having led for more than 35 of the 40 minutes in the game. The Serbian team's impressive roster included Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who were on fire from beyond the arc throughout much of the game.
Nikola Jokic, Serbia's stalwart, was both a scoring and playmaking force, logging nearly the entire game and finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Serbia seemed poised to clinch the win with their strong performance in the three quarters.
The Turning Point
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the final quarter. USA coach Steve Kerr, who had spent most of the Olympics employing a deep rotation, leaned heavily on his veterans as the game reached its critical moments. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker made up the crucial closing lineup that transformed the game's dynamics. In a striking final quarter, the USA outscored Serbia 32-15, showcasing their relentless grit and experience.
Stephen Curry was a standout performer, hitting nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. Curry’s long-range shooting was pivotal, as he racked up 36 points in the game. "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 onlooker. Kerr's strategy of utilizing his seasoned players paid off handsomely, as their combined effort brought the team back from the brink of elimination.
James' Triple-Double Heroics
LeBron James was omnipresent in the game, especially in crunch time. Playing the entire fourth quarter, James contributed significantly with six points, six rebounds, and four assists down the stretch. He finished with his second career Olympic triple-double, tallying 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," noted an account of his performance.
Defensive Stalwarts
On the defensive end, the USA was just as tenacious. The Americans held Serbia to zero success from 3-point range in the final quarter, forcing nine missed attempts. This defensive resistance further choked off Serbia's primary offensive weapon and set the stage for the American comeback.
Kerr's Tactical Mastery
Steve Kerr’s tactical decisions were critical in this turnaround. He made only one significant substitution in the fourth quarter, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds. The presence of Embiid on the floor was instrumental in both creating and preventing opportunities, giving the U.S. the edge they needed.
Meanwhile, Derrick White struggled in his 6:46 minutes on the court, during which the USA was outscored by 16 points. In contrast, Kevin Durant emerged as a statistical anomaly with a positive plus-minus despite the team’s earlier struggles. His steady presence helped anchor the team’s efforts on both ends of the court.
Eyes on the Gold
With this victory, Team USA now turns its focus to the gold medal game against France. The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting finale to the Olympic basketball tournament. Kerr’s reliance on his battle-tested veterans combined with their clutch performances suggests that the USA is in robust form as they chase Olympic glory.
This semifinal was not just a testament to the individual brilliance of players like Curry and James, but also a showcase of collective resilience and strategic acumen from a team that refused to succumb to early adversity. The upcoming battle against France now holds the promise of more high-octane action and perhaps, another legendary chapter in USA basketball lore.