In a display of determination and resilience, the USA men's basketball team emerged victorious in a thrilling semifinal clash against Serbia at the 2024 Olympics, winning 95-91. The win paves the way for a highly anticipated gold medal showdown against France.
A Game of Twists and Turns
The USA faced immense pressure throughout the game, trailing by as many as 17 points and entering the final quarter down by 13. Serbia's performance was commendable, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Key players Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric excelled from beyond the arc, while Nikola Jokic nearly played the entire game, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
The US team's struggles seemed insurmountable as Serbia consistently dominated. Derrick White's 6:46 minutes on the court saw the USA being outscored by 16 points. Amidst the chaos, veteran leadership proved to be the turning point.
Turnaround in the Fourth Quarter
U.S. coach Steve Kerr, who had predominantly employed a deep rotation throughout the Olympics, decisively turned to his seasoned veterans when the game was on the line. "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 observer noted. This crucial decision paid off tremendously.
The final quarter witnessed a phenomenal performance from the USA, who outscored Serbia 32-15. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the critical closing lineup. Stephen Curry was particularly sensational, scoring nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and ending the game with 36 points.
Curry's sharpshooting ignited the comeback, but it was LeBron James' all-around brilliance that anchored the team's effort. Playing the entire fourth quarter, James recorded his second career Olympic triple-double with 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 Olympics triple-double," an account of his performance read.
Key Decisions and Performances
Steve Kerr's strategic move to replace Anthony Davis with Joel Embiid in the fourth quarter underscored the tactical adjustments required to counter Serbia's threat. The defense ensured that Serbia missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final frame. Kevin Durant was another pivotal figure for the USA, ending the semifinals as the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus.
The USA's remarkable resurgence in the fourth validated the trust Kerr placed in his experienced players. The composure and synergy among the veterans transformed what seemed like a certain defeat into a memorable triumph.
Anticipation Builds for the Gold Medal Game
With the semifinal victory securing their place in the gold medal game against France, the USA men's basketball team carries momentum and confidence into what promises to be a captivating final. The collective efforts of the players, combined with astute coaching decisions, have positioned the USA for a shot at Olympic glory once again.
The basketball world will undoubtedly be keenly watching, as stars like Curry, James, and Durant aim to etch their names further into Olympic history. The upcoming bout against France will be not only a test of skill and strategy but also a showcase of the indomitable spirit that has been the hallmark of USA basketball.