The USA men's basketball team delivered a remarkable comeback performance to secure their spot in the 2024 Olympics gold medal game, defeating Serbia 95-91 in the semifinals. This victory proved to be a testament to the resilience and depth of talent within Team USA.
Thrilling Semifinal Showdown
Despite trailing by 17 points at one stage and entering the final quarter down by 13, the USA managed to turn the game around in dramatic fashion. Serbia led for over 35 of the 40 minutes of the game, with standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, all excelling from beyond the arc. Nikola Jokic also played nearly the entire game, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Veteran Leadership Shines
U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a strategic decision to rely heavily on his veterans in the closing moments of the game. "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," was the observation as the experienced lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker took control of the game's final quarter.
Stephen Curry Leads the Charge
Stephen Curry was particularly instrumental in the comeback, making an impressive nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and finishing with 36 points. His sharpshooting from long range was a key factor in the USA outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter.
LeBron James' Triple-Double Performance
LeBron James also played a pivotal role down the stretch, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. James was omnipresent in the final quarter, contributing six points, six rebounds, and four assists during this critical period. "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," provided a clear account of his influential performance.
Defensive Tenacity
Defensively, the USA tightened their grip in the final quarter, forcing Serbia to miss all nine of their 3-point attempts. This defensive effort, combined with their offensive prowess, allowed Team USA to claw their way back into the game.
Strategic Coaching Decisions
Steve Kerr’s coaching acumen was also on full display. Aside from bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, Kerr made minimal substitutions during the critical moments of the game. Derrick White, who played for 6:46 minutes earlier in the game, saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his time on the floor, highlighting the importance of Kerr’s decision to stick with his seasoned players.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Medal Game
With their hard-fought victory over Serbia, Team USA now turns their focus to the gold medal game against France. The determination and fight shown by the American squad in the semifinals will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they aim to clinch yet another Olympic gold.