The USA men's basketball team showcased a thrilling comeback performance to defeat Serbia, 95-91, in the semifinals of the 2024 Olympics, earning a place in the gold medal game against France.
Despite facing a significant deficit, trailing by 17 points at one stage and entering the final quarter down by 13, the USA pulled off a dramatic turnaround. Serbia maintained control for the majority of the game, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. The Serbian squad, with standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, posed a formidable challenge from 3-point range.
The Serbian Challenge
Nikola Jokic was a constant presence for Serbia, almost never leaving the court and contributing 17 points along with a game-high 11 assists. Serbia's offensive prowess was evident, but their inability to maintain the momentum in the final quarter cost them dearly.
A Fourth Quarter Surge
The USA's resurgence was orchestrated by coach Steve Kerr, who opted for a veteran-heavy lineup as the game hung in the balance. "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," noted an observer.
The tactical shift paid dividends during the final quarter. Stephen Curry led the charge, making nine 3-pointers to finish with 36 points, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. LeBron James was equally pivotal, contributing six points, six rebounds, and four assists in the last period alone. He ultimately achieved his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. "James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch," as he anchored the team's efforts.
Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker rounded out the closing lineup, collectively outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter. Remarkably, Serbia missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the decisive period, allowing the USA to claw back and secure the win.
Key Performances and Tactical Decisions
One of Steve Kerr's critical decisions was substituting Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis, a move maintained until the final seconds. Derrick White's limited playtime of 6:46 minutes saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his stint, underscoring the effectiveness of Kerr's reliance on veteran players.
Kevin Durant was distinguished as the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus rating in the semifinals, emphasizing his role in the team's overall performance. These strategic choices underscore the depth and adaptability of the USA roster under Kerr's leadership.
As the team prepares for the gold medal showdown against France, the resilience shown in their comeback victory against Serbia highlights their championship resolve. The final promises to be a gripping encounter, with both teams vying for the top spot on the Olympic podium.