In a thrilling semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team showcased resilience and veteran leadership to secure their spot in the gold medal game with a 95-91 victory over Serbia. Overcoming significant deficits and a determined Serbian squad, Team USA managed to turn the game in their favor during a critical fourth quarter surge.
A Dramatic Turnaround
Trailing by 17 points at one point and entering the final quarter down by 13, the USA's path to victory was lined with challenges. Serbia led the game for over 35 of the 40 minutes, powered by strong performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who excelled from the three-point line.
One of the standout performers for Serbia was NBA star Nikola Jokic, who played almost the entire game and finished with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Despite Jokic's efforts, the Serbian team faltered in the final moments of the game, missing all nine of their three-point attempts in the fourth quarter.
Veterans Take Charge
As the game hung in the balance, U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a key strategic decision. "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 tactical shift proved decisive as the team's experienced players took center stage in the fourth quarter.
Stephen Curry, who was phenomenal throughout the game, made nine three-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and finished with an impressive 36 points. Alongside Curry, LeBron James delivered a masterful performance, recording his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Fourth Quarter Heroics
The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the final quarter, a period marked by exceptional plays from Team USA's star-studded lineup. Steve Kerr's reliance on veterans was evident as Stephen Curry closed out the game with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker on the court.
"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." Kerr made only one substitution in the fourth quarter, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, showcasing a strategy that trusted seasoned players to deliver in crunch time.
Kevin Durant, a vital cog in the USA's effort, was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, further underscoring his invaluable contribution. Meanwhile, Derrick White's brief stint of 6:46 minutes saw the USA being outscored by 16 points, highlighting the importance of Kerr's late-game decisions.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
With this victory, Team USA sealed their place in the much-anticipated gold medal game against France. The forthcoming matchup promises to be a riveting contest, pitting two of the world's best basketball teams against each other.
As Team USA prepares for the final, the indomitable spirit and leadership of their veterans will be crucial. Whether they can replicate their fourth quarter heroics remains to be seen, but with players like Curry, James, Durant, Embiid, and Booker, the USA certainly commands a formidable arsenal.
The stage is set for an epic showdown, and if the semifinal is any indication, fans around the world are in for a treat. The comeback victory over Serbia not only showcased the depth and talent of the USA men's basketball team but also their unwavering determination to reclaim Olympic glory.