In a thrilling semifinal match at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team triumphed over Serbia, securing their place in the gold medal game with a determined 95-91 victory. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighted by a dramatic comeback that firmly demonstrated the resilience and skill of the U.S. squad.
A Game of Comebacks
Trailing by 17 points at one stage and down by 13 heading into the final quarter, the USA faced an uphill battle. Serbia led for over 35 of the 40 minutes, powered by stellar performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric. Their proficiency from 3-point range kept the pressure on the Americans.
Serbia's Nikola Jokic was a force on the court, playing nearly the entire game. Jokic finished with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists, showcasing his exceptional versatility and playmaking abilities. Despite Serbia's stronghold, the Americans remained undeterred.
Clutch Performance from Veterans
U.S. coach Steve Kerr, who had utilized a deep rotation throughout the Olympics, leaned heavily on his veterans in the final quarter with the game on the line. As noted, "Steve Kerr relied heavily on his veterans with the game on the line." This strategy turned out to be a masterstroke.
The critical closing lineup featured Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. Collectively, they orchestrated a remarkable transformation, outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry was the standout performer, connecting on nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history—and racking up 36 points. His shooting prowess under intense pressure was pivotal in the Americans’ comeback.
LeBron's Triple-Double Magic
LeBron James added his unique blend of leadership and versatility, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. "James was everywhere down the stretch," playing the entire fourth quarter and contributing six points, six rebounds, and four assists in that period alone. His triple-double underscored his enduring impact and importance to the team's success.
Serbia Falters in the Fourth
On the other end, Serbia's offense faltered at critical moments, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter. This scoring drought allowed the Americans to claw back into the game and ultimately seize control.
Final Strategic Moves
Kerr's strategic acumen shone through his calculated player substitutions. His only significant change in the fourth quarter was bringing Joel Embiid on for Anthony Davis until the final seconds. This decision fortified the team's defense and allowed their offensive stars to operate more freely.
The game saw mixed performances across the board. Derrick White, for instance, played 6:46 minutes during which the USA was outscored by 16 points, indicating the challenges he faced in this high-pressure environment. On the flip side, Kevin Durant stood out with a positive plus-minus, underscoring his consistent and impactful play throughout the match.
Eyes on Gold
With this victory, the USA secured their spot in the highly anticipated gold medal game against France. The final showdown promises to be a gripping contest, with the U.S. team riding high on the momentum of their semifinal triumph. As the stakes rise, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the American veterans, whose experience and resilience have propelled the team this far.
The journey to the gold medal game has been a testament to the team's depth, strategic versatility, and the unyielding spirit of their key players. As they prepare to face France, the world will be watching to see if this veteran-laden squad can capture Olympic glory once again.