USA Overcomes Serbia to Secure Thrilling Olympic Victory
In a heart-stopping semifinal match at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Serbia 95-91. This electrifying win has earned them a place in the gold medal game against France. The performance showcased resilience, veteran leadership, and incredible skill under pressure.
The USA's path to victory was fraught with challenges. Facing a 17-point deficit at one stage and entering the final quarter trailing by 13 points, the game seemed to be slipping away. Serbia had maintained control for over 35 of the 40 minutes, thanks to impressive performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who all delivered from 3-point range. Nikola Jokic, a cornerstone for Serbia, played nearly the entire game, concluding with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
However, it was in the fourth quarter where the USA displayed their championship mettle. "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." This strategic decision proved pivotal. The veteran lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker took charge, mounting an incredible rally by outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the final period.
Stephen Curry was instrumental in this comeback, producing a standout performance with nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. Curry finished the game with 36 points, showcasing his trademark shooting prowess. His timely shots and leadership were critical in swinging the momentum in favor of the USA.
LeBron James, another seasoned Olympian, played a crucial role down the stretch. "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." His all-around game was pivotal as he controlled the tempo and provided vital contributions on both ends of the court.
Kevin Durant, one of the most consistent players for the USA, was the only team member with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals. This statistic underscores Durant's effectiveness on the court during crucial moments. Additionally, Joel Embiid, who was substituted in for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, provided a crucial interior presence that helped solidify the defense and allow for offensive opportunities.
On the other hand, Serbia's performance waned significantly in the closing quarter. The team missed all nine of their 3-point attempts, a stark contrast to their earlier success from beyond the arc. The relentless defense and strategic gameplay from the USA veterans clearly disrupted Serbia's rhythm as the pressure intensified.
Derrick White, who played just 6:46 minutes, witnessed the USA being outscored by 16 points during his time on the floor, highlighting the stark difference in performance when the core veteran lineup was not in play. This emphasizes the critical role that the experienced players had in securing the victory.
As Coach Steve Kerr banked on his seasoned stars, the decision bore fruit, displaying the importance of experience in high-stakes games. With this victory, the USA has once again put itself in a position to compete for Olympic gold, setting up an eagerly anticipated showdown against France.