USA Men's Basketball Triumphs Over Serbia in Semifinal Thriller
In a dramatic semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team pulled off a stirring comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, securing their place in the gold medal game against France. The game kept fans on the edge of their seats, filled with high stakes and incredible performances.
Trailing by 17 points at one stage, the USA found themselves down by 13 points entering the final quarter. Serbia had controlled the game for over 35 of the 40 minutes, buoyed by the sharpshooting of Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who excelled from beyond the arc.
The Serbian Standout
Nikola Jokic, a pivotal figure in Serbia's lineup, played almost the entire game, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Despite Jokic's outstanding efforts, the Serbian squad couldn't maintain their lead in the crucial moments.
Kerr's Veterans Rise to the Occasion
U.S. coach Steve Kerr shifted his strategy in the final quarter, relying 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," an observer noted. This tactical decision proved fruitful as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the critical closing lineup.
Stephen Curry's Record Performance
Stephen Curry was instrumental in the USA's comeback, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and finishing with an impressive 36 points. His long-range precision was pivotal in the U.S. outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter.
LeBron James' Triple-Double Masterclass
LeBron James was a force to be reckoned with throughout the final moments. "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," detailed an account of his performance. These all-around contributions were crucial in tipping the scales in favor of the USA.
Defensive Prowess Seals the Win
As the USA surged, Serbia struggled, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter. Kerr's only substitution in the final period was bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the concluding seconds, emphasizing the reliance on experienced players to see out the game.
Substitutions and Strategy
Derrick White had a challenging stint, playing for 6:46 minutes during which the USA was outscored by 16 points. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant emerged as the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the tightly contested semifinals, underscoring his vital role in the squad's efforts.
With this victory, the USA's focus now shifts to the upcoming gold medal match against France. This win stands as a testament to the team's resilience, strategic acumen, and the individual brilliance of its star players.