The USA men's basketball team delivered an astonishing comeback in the 2024 Olympics semifinals, narrowly defeating Serbia 95-91 to secure their spot in the gold medal game against France. This riveting encounter showcased the resilience and talent of the American squad, who overturned a daunting deficit to clinch victory.
A Game of High Stakes
From the outset, Serbia appeared poised to upset the USA. Led by standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, the Serbian team dominated for the majority of the game. Nikola Jokic played almost the entire match, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists, underscoring his versatility and stamina. Remarkably, Serbia commanded the lead for over 35 of the 40 minutes and had built a towering 17-point advantage at one stage.
The Turning Point
As the game entered the final quarter, the USA was staring at a 13-point deficit. Steve Kerr, the USA's coach, known for his strategic acumen, decided to lean 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 sports analyst.
The final quarter became a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance. With Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker forming the critical closing lineup, the USA undertook an offensive resurgence. The team outscored Serbia 32-15 in this decisive period, turning the tide of the game.
Stars Shine Bright
Stephen Curry was nothing short of sensational. The prolific guard drained nine 3-pointers, marking the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, en route to a game-high 36 points. LeBron James was equally instrumental; his all-around prowess was on full display as he secured his second career Olympic triple-double, amassing 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," recounted a game analyst.
Key Tactical Decisions
Coach Kerr's crucial decision to bring in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds also proved pivotal. Embiid's presence added a fresh defensive dimension that stifled Serbia's offense, which had thrived earlier in the game. Serbia, known for their accurate long-range shooting, faltered in the fourth quarter, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts.
Derrick White was one of the few American players who struggled in the game. During his 6:46 minutes on the floor, the USA was outscored by 16 points, highlighting the intense pressure of Olympic-level competition. In contrast, Kevin Durant emerged as a steadying force, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought victory, the USA now prepares to face France in the gold medal game. The semifinal win, marked by strategic brilliance and outstanding individual performances, has undoubtedly bolstered their confidence. However, as history has shown, the final will demand nothing less than the USA's best effort to cement their place atop the Olympic podium.