USA Men's Basketball Team Triumphs in Semifinals Against Serbia
In a thrilling semi-final matchup at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, securing their place in the gold medal game against France. The match was a testament to the resilience and determination of the American squad, led by seasoned stars and tactical brilliance from their coach.
A Game of High Drama
The Americans found themselves in deep trouble early on, trailing by as many as 17 points at one juncture. Entering the final quarter, the USA was down by 13 points, with Serbia having led for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Serbia’s potent mix of Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, proficient from 3-point range, kept the USA on the back foot for much of the game.
Nikola Jokic was a significant force for Serbia, playing almost the entire game. Jokic not only scored 17 points but also dished out a game-high 11 assists, showcasing his all-around capabilities and keeping the American defense constantly on alert.
The Turning Point
As the final quarter began, U.S. coach Steve Kerr decided to lean heavily on his veteran players in a bid to turn the game around. "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 insider observed.
This faith in experience paid off handsomely as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker came together to mount an incredible comeback. The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the critical last quarter.
Stephen Curry was phenomenal, making nine 3-pointers – the second-most by any U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history – and finished the game with 36 points. His sharpshooting was a pivotal element in erasing the deficit and turning the tide in favor of the USA.
LeBron James' Triple-Double
LeBron James once again showcased why he is one of the greatest to ever play the game. "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," highlighted a detailed account of his standout performance.
His unrelenting presence on both ends of the court provided the stability and energy the team needed during the crucial stretch. Kevin Durant, notable for being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, bolstered the team's efforts with his consistent play.
Struggle for Serbia
The fourth quarter was not kind to Serbia, particularly from beyond the arc. They missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final period, a stark contrast to their earlier accuracy. This inability to convert long-range shots proved detrimental as the U.S. capitalized on every opportunity to close the gap and ultimately take the lead.
Steve Kerr’s only substitution in the fourth quarter was bringing Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, a strategic move that kept the team’s momentum steady.
Looking Ahead
With their dramatic victory, the USA now aims for gold in the upcoming final against France. The win against Serbia not only demonstrated the team’s depth and versatility but also highlighted the individual brilliance of players like Curry and James, who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
The anticipation for the gold medal matchup is at an all-time high, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if the USA can replicate their semifinal heroics against a formidable French team. The journey has not been easy, but if the semifinal is any indication, this U.S. team is ready to fight till the very end.