The USA men's basketball team, in a stunning display of resilience, clawed back from a significant deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 in the 2024 Olympics semifinals, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France.
A Mounting Challenge
The Americans faced a daunting task as they found themselves trailing by 17 points at one juncture, and entering the final quarter down by 13 points. Serbia was dominant for most of the game, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. The Serbian team, featuring sharpshooters Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, displayed impressive efficiency from beyond the arc.
Serbia's Nikola Jokic, playing almost the entire game, was a crucial playmaker, contributing 17 points and leading all players with 11 assists. However, despite these efforts, the Serbians couldn't stave off the American comeback.
The Turning Point
USA coach Steve Kerr, known for his strategic prowess, opted to rely heavily on veteran players 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," observed a commentator. This strategic pivot proved critical in the final stretch of the game.
Stephen Curry was instrumental in the turnaround, netting nine 3-pointers – the second-most ever by a U.S. men's basketball player in an Olympic game – leading to a game-high 36 points. His heroics were complemented by the relentless efforts of LeBron James. "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," a witness noted.
The Final Push
The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter, showcasing their defensive strength and offensive sharpness when it mattered most. Serbia, who had been effective from long-range throughout the game, missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in this crucial period.
Kerr's management of player rotations was also significant. Aside from bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, Kerr made no substitutions in the fourth quarter. Derrick White, who played for just under seven minutes earlier in the game, saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his time on the court. Kevin Durant, in contrast, was the only American player with a positive plus-minus rating in the semifinals.
The Road to Gold
With this hard-fought victory, the USA sets its sights on the gold medal game against France. The team’s blend of experienced leaders and strategic adjustments provided a roadmap to success in the semifinals, fueling hope for another Olympic triumph.
As the USA prepares to face France, the resilience and performance level they displayed against Serbia will remain crucial. The blend of Curry's shooting, James' all-around play, and the seasoned decision-making from the coaching staff sets up an exciting climax to the basketball competition in the 2024 Olympics.