As Team USA gears up for a critical semifinal clash against Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics basketball competition, the anticipation is palpable. Scheduled to take place at the iconic Bercy Arena in Paris at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 8, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, not least because of the historical context and the stakes involved.
Team USA has been in formidable form throughout the group stages, demonstrating their prowess against a diverse set of opponents. They carved out decisive victories against Brazil, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan, all of whom have respectable standings in the FIBA rankings. Brazil, ranked 12th, Puerto Rico, 16th, and South Sudan, 33rd, each fell to the relentless onslaught of the American squad.
Perhaps most notably, Team USA faced Serbia in the group stage, securing an emphatic win by a margin of 26 points. This victory was largely attributed to their stunning accuracy from beyond the arc, sinking 18-of-32 three-point attempts—a staggering 56.3% success rate. In contrast, Serbia struggled with their long-range efforts, making just 9-of-37 attempts, a mere 24.3% success rate.
Despite this recent dominance, Team USA is acutely aware that Serbia is no pushover. The Serbian team boasts a rich basketball pedigree, having defeated Team USA at the 2019 World Cup and earned a silver medal at the 2023 World Cup. Furthermore, Serbia clinched a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, underscoring their consistent performance on the international stage.
Nikola Jokic: Serbia's Key Player
Central to Serbia's campaign is Nikola Jokic, one of the most versatile and skilled big men in the game today. "We have the best player and we're going to ride him for 40 minutes," said an anonymous source, highlighting just how pivotal Jokic's role will be in the upcoming contest. Jokic's ability to orchestrate plays, dominate the paint, and stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a constant threat to any opponent.
Team USA's Game Plan
Team USA, on the other hand, is formulating a strategy that seeks to exploit Serbia's potential weaknesses, particularly focusing on speed and transition play. A source familiar with Team USA's game plan revealed, "The idea is going to be to play fast, get Serbia in rotation and take advantage of the fact that Jokic is neither an elite rim protector nor switch defender." This approach aims to neutralize Jokic's impact by targeting the areas where he is less dominant.
A Chance for Glory
Both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. The winner of this semifinal game will earn the privilege of competing for the gold medal against France. For Team USA, this represents an opportunity to reassert their dominance in international basketball, while for Serbia, it is a chance to avenge past defeats and add another chapter to their storied history.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, fans and pundits alike are bracing for a spectacle of high-octane basketball. Will Team USA's sharpshooting and speed be enough to overcome the formidable presence of Jokic and his Serbian teammates? Or will Serbia conjure up another memorable performance to book their place in the final? All eyes will be on Bercy Arena come Thursday.