In a thrilling semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team overcame a dramatic deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91, securing their place in the gold medal game against France. The game was a testament to perseverance and veteran leadership, with the USA team clawing back from a challenging position to clinch victory.
Overcoming the Odds
The game seemed in Serbia's control for most of its duration. Serbia led for over 35 of the 40 minutes and at one point held a 17-point lead. By the end of the third quarter, the USA trailed by 13 points. The Serbian team, featuring standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, leveraged their sharpshooting abilities, particularly from the 3-point range, to maintain their lead.
Nikola Jokic played a near-complete game for Serbia, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. His presence on the court was a critical component of Serbia's game plan. The USA's coach, Steve Kerr, described Jokic's role as pivotal in keeping Serbia ahead for the majority of the game.
The Fourth Quarter Turnaround
The narrative took a dramatic turn in the final quarter. U.S. coach Steve Kerr, known for his strategic mind, opted to rely heavily on his seasoned veterans. "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 commentator.
This critical lineup included Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. Their combined experience and skill shifted the momentum in favor of the USA. The team outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter, a performance that defined the game.
Star Performances
Stephen Curry's shooting was a highlight for the USA. Curry made nine 3-pointers, marking the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and finished the game with a stellar 36 points. His clutch shooting helped pull the USA back into contention and eventually secure the win.
LeBron James also had an exceptional game, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double. He recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his dominant all-around play. "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," noted a sports analyst.
Strategic Moves
Steve Kerr’s decision-making in the final quarter was crucial. His only substitution was to bring Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, a move that paid off as Embiid's presence fortified the USA's defense and rebounding. Meanwhile, Derrick White’s 6:46 minutes of play proved costly as the USA was outscored by 16 points during his time on the court. Yet, despite this setback, the team's overall execution and veteran leadership in the pivotal moments made the difference.
Serbia's Struggle
Contrasting the USA's sharp shooting, Serbia struggled from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts. This cold spell further contributed to their inability to maintain their lead.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the USA now sets its sights on the gold medal game against France. The momentum from their comeback win against Serbia will undoubtedly bolster their confidence as they prepare for another challenging opponent. The harmonious blend of veteran poise and strategic decisions by Coach Kerr will be pivotal as the USA aims to secure the Olympic gold.
As the team heads into the final, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if the USA can replicate the resilience and skill they demonstrated in the semifinals against a formidable French team.