The USA men's basketball team delivered an unforgettable performance in their 2024 Olympic semifinal clash against Serbia, securing a dramatic 95-91 victory. This win not only showcased the resilience and tenacity of the American squad but also earned them a coveted spot in the gold medal game against France.
A Staggering Comeback
At one point, the USA was trailing by a daunting 17 points and entered the final quarter staring at a 13-point deficit. In a game where Serbia led for over 35 of the 40 minutes, it seemed almost certain that the American dream for gold was in jeopardy. However, the turn of events in the final quarter painted a different picture.
Stephen Curry spearheaded the USA's resurgence, contributing significantly to an astounding 32-15 outscoring of Serbia in the fourth quarter. His shooting prowess was on full display as he knocked down nine 3-pointers, becoming the player with the second-most threes by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. Curry's performance was stellar, ending the game with a remarkable 36 points.
Veterans' Vital Contributions
U.S. coach Steve Kerr, who had predominantly played a deep rotation throughout most of the Olympics, decisively leaned on his experienced players as the game reached its climax. “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,” observed one analyst.
LeBron James, an indelible presence on the court, played the entire fourth quarter and was pivotal in the USA's comeback. His contributions tallied to a second career Olympic triple-double, comprising 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 Olympic triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists," one account highlighted.
Strategic Substitutions and Key Performances
Coach Kerr's strategic moves in the final period proved critical. Apart from a substitution involving Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, Kerr made no other changes in his lineup during the fourth quarter. This trust in his veteran players paid off handsomely, with the seasoned lineup of Curry, James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker executing flawlessly under pressure.
Kevin Durant, who was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, further solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. His presence on the court provided stability and contributed to the USA’s defensive tenacity in the closing moments.
A Challenging Opponent
Serbia didn't make it easy for the Americans. Nikola Jokic, Serbia’s anchor, played almost the entire game, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Jokic, along with teammates Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, had a strong presence, particularly from beyond the arc, keeping Serbia competitive until the very end. However, Serbia’s downfall came in the fourth quarter when they missed all nine of their 3-point attempts.
Looking to Gold
As the USA shifts their focus to the upcoming gold medal game against France, the resilience and depth of the team will be their greatest strengths. The semifinal victory is a testament to the veterans’ leadership and the strategic acumen of Steve Kerr, who has adeptly balanced the utilization of his lineup throughout the Olympics.
The excitement builds as fans and analysts alike anticipate the final showdown. Can the USA overcome France and claim the gold? One thing is certain—the indomitable spirit and collective talent of this team will be pivotal in their quest for Olympic glory.