USA Overcomes Serbia to Secure a Spot in the Olympic Gold Medal Game
In a thrilling semifinal at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged a sensational comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, earning their place in the gold medal game against France. Trailing by 17 points at one stage and entering the final quarter down by 13, the Americans demonstrated sheer determination and skill to turn the tide in their favor.
Serbia, featuring notable players such as Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, dominated most of the game. They led for over 35 of the 40 minutes, showcasing impressive skill, particularly from beyond the arc. Nikola Jokic, who played almost the entire game, was a standout performer with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
But it was in the final quarter that the USA truly came alive, outscoring Serbia 32-15. Veteran players stepped up to deliver when it mattered the most. USA coach Steve Kerr, who had employed a broad rotation throughout the Olympics, opted to rely heavily on veteran players in this critical phase. "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 observation noted about his strategy.
Stephen Curry was instrumental in the comeback. He scored a game-high 36 points, including nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic competition. His performance was pivotal in pulling the USA back from the brink of defeat.
The closing lineup that included Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker executed Kerr’s strategy perfectly. LeBron James, in particular, was everywhere in the decisive fourth quarter. Playing the entire final period, James tallied six points, six rebounds, and four assists, culminating in his second career Olympic triple-double: 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," an account of his standout performance noted.
Adding to Serbia's woes, they struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, failing to convert any of their nine 3-point attempts. The defensive efforts of the USA, especially in the closing minutes, were a testament to their resolve and strategic planning.
Kevin Durant was another significant contributor, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals. His impact on both ends of the court was undeniable and instrumental in the team's victory.
Steve Kerr made minimal changes during the frantic final period, choosing to bring in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds. This decision to maintain a consistent lineup played a crucial role in mounting the comeback and providing stability during critical possessions.
The journey to the gold medal game was not without its challenges. Derrick White, who played for a brief 6:46 minutes, saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his time on the floor. Despite this, the team’s overall resilience and tactical adjustments were enough to clinch a hard-fought victory.
With this win, the USA now sets their sights on the gold medal game against a formidable French team. The stage is set for an exciting showdown as they look to add yet another gold medal to their storied Olympic legacy.
The dramatic semifinal victory against Serbia will be remembered as a testament to the USA team's depth, experience, and the unyielding spirit that defines their play. The final against France promises to be a clash for the ages, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if the USA can bring home the coveted gold.