USA Triumphs over Serbia to Secure Gold Medal Game Spot
In a thrilling semifinal showdown at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, and secure a spot in the gold medal game against France. Battling back from a 17-point deficit, the American squad showcased resilience and veteran leadership, culminating in a stellar fourth-quarter performance that swung the game in their favor.
Serbia came out strong, leading the game for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Behind the sharpshooting of Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, the Serbians dominated from the 3-point line, keeping the USA on the back foot. Nikola Jokic, displaying his MVP-caliber skills, played nearly the entire game, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
The USA, coached by Steve Kerr, faced a 13-point deficit entering the final quarter. Kerr made a pivotal decision to lean heavily on his star-studded veteran lineup in the crunch time. "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. The trusted combination of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker took the floor for the final stretch.
Stephen Curry, known for his shooting prowess, delivered a standout performance. Curry electrified the court, hitting nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history—and tallying a total of 36 points. His efforts were instrumental in the USA's fourth-quarter rally, during which they outscored Serbia 32-15.
LeBron James also made a significant impact, recording 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: 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists."
The American defense tightened, forcing Serbia into a cold spell from beyond the arc. Serbia missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the crucial fourth quarter, sealing their fate. Kerr's strategic substitution, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, paid off as Embiid added a robust defensive presence.
Derrick White, although limited to 6:46 minutes on the floor, saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his stint, indicating the importance of the veteran swaps in leading the comeback. Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his impactful play despite the overall team struggles early in the game.
As the clock wound down, Serbia's inability to maintain their early dominance gave way to a resurgent USA team bolstered by leadership and experience. The victory now sets up a final clash with France, promising another high-stakes contest as the Americans pursue Olympic gold.
Coach Steve Kerr’s strategic acumen and the heroic efforts of Curry and James epitomize the heart and determination that define championship teams. The USA's dramatic turnaround in this semifinal game will be remembered as a testament to their resilience and star power on the world stage.