USA Men's Basketball Triumphs Over Serbia in Thrilling Semifinal Comeback
The USA men's basketball team delivered a stunning comeback to defeat Serbia 95-91 in the semifinals of the 2024 Olympics, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the USA clawing back from a significant deficit to clinch the victory.
At one point, the USA trailed by 17 points and entered the final quarter down by 13. Serbia dominated for over 35 minutes of the 40-minute game, showcasing their prowess from beyond the arc with standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric. Nikola Jokic was a cornerstone for Serbia, playing almost the entire game and finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
However, the tide began to turn in the fourth quarter as USA coach Steve Kerr relied heavily on his veteran stars. "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," one observer noted. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the critical closing lineup that led the USA's resurgence.
The final quarter saw a remarkable transformation. The USA outscored Serbia 32-15, with Stephen Curry making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics, contributing to his total of 36 points. Curry's sharpshooting and the defensive prowess of his teammates stifled Serbia, who missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the decisive quarter.
LeBron James was instrumental in this comeback, putting in a stellar performance that saw him achieve 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," an account of his performance detailed.
Despite a shaky start and some early struggles, including a negative plus-minus for most players when Derrick White played his 6:46 minutes, Kevin Durant remained a crucial positive force throughout the game. Durant’s leadership and scoring provided stability when it was most needed.
Steve Kerr's strategic decision-making played a pivotal role in the comeback. His only substitution in the fourth quarter was bringing Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis until the final moments. This move paid off as the veterans on the floor executed both the offensive and defensive plays with precision. Joel Embiid’s presence in the paint and his defensive acumen helped to neutralize Jokic's effectiveness in crunch time.
As the USA prepares to face France in the gold medal game, the team can draw confidence from their ability to perform under pressure. The resilience and experience of their veteran players, combined with strategic coaching decisions, highlight why they remain a formidable force in international basketball.
With this victory, the USA men's basketball team not only demonstrated their skill but also their heart and determination. The semifinal clash with Serbia will be remembered for its dramatic narrative and the superstar performances that carried the USA to triumph against the odds.