USA's Stunning Comeback Topples Serbia, Secures Spot in Gold Medal Game
In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team triumphed over Serbia, clinching a dramatic 95-91 victory. This hard-fought win propels Team USA into the gold medal game, where they will face off against a formidable France squad.
Trailing by as many as 17 points and entering the final quarter down by 13, the Americans mounted a remarkable comeback. Despite Serbia leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes, the resilience and determination of the U.S. team shone through in those crucial moments.
Throughout the game, Serbia exhibited impressive shooting from 3-point range, with standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric. The Serbian squad also relied heavily on NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who played nearly the entire game, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
The Comeback
USA's head coach, Steve Kerr, who had mostly employed a deep rotation throughout the Olympics, decided to lean on his veteran players with the game on the line. "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," an observer noted.
In the decisive fourth quarter, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the critical closing lineup. This group proved instrumental in outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the final period.
Curry was nothing short of sensational, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and finishing with 36 points. His long-range accuracy kept the USA's hopes alive and energized his teammates during the pivotal moments.
James' Dominance
LeBron James showcased his all-around prowess, taking over in the final stretch. Playing the entire fourth quarter, "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." His leadership and ability to fill the stat sheet were crucial components of the USA's comeback.
Defensive Prowess
Serbia's potent offense hit a significant roadblock in the fourth quarter, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts. Meanwhile, Kerr's critical substitution saw Joel Embiid replace Anthony Davis for the majority of the final period, bolstering the defensive front and securing crucial rebounds.
Derrick White's brief stint on the court, clocking in at 6 minutes and 46 seconds, saw the USA outscored by 16 points, highlighting the importance of the veteran players' extended minutes. In contrast, Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player to finish with a positive plus-minus rating, further underscoring his impact in crunch time.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Team USA sets its sights on a gold medal clash with France. The Americans will undoubtedly carry the momentum from their semifinal comeback into the championship game, aiming to add another chapter to their storied Olympic legacy.