USA Men's Basketball Reaches Finals After Narrow Win Against Serbia
In a riveting semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team emerged victorious over Serbia with a nail-biting 95-91 win, propelling them into the gold medal game against France. This hard-fought victory showcased the resilience and depth of talent within the American squad, highlighting an extraordinary comeback from a 17-point deficit.
A Game of Dramatic Swings
The contest was a roller-coaster of emotions for Team USA. Trailing by as many as 17 points and entering the final quarter behind by 13, the Americans were on the ropes for much of the game. Impressively, Serbia controlled the tempo and led for over 35 out of the 40 minutes. However, a dramatic turnaround in the fourth quarter shifted the balance.
Serbia’s performance was highlighted by standout players Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who were particularly effective from beyond the arc. Nikola Jokic played nearly the entire game, contributing significantly with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Veterans Lead the Comeback
The key to the USA's come-from-behind victory lay in U.S. coach Steve Kerr’s strategic decision to rely heavily on veteran players when the game was on the line. Using a deep rotation throughout most of the Olympics, Kerr opted for a tight, experienced lineup in the clutch moments of this critical contest.
Stephen Curry was phenomenal, scoring 36 points and making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. player in Olympic history. He was part of a formidable closing lineup alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. This quintet turned the game on its head, outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the final quarter.
"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 approach was evident as Steve Kerr made only one substitution in the fourth quarter, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds.
LeBron James once again proved his mettle on the international stage with a stellar all-around performance. Playing the entire fourth quarter, James tallied six points, six rebounds, and four assists down the stretch, culminating in his second career Olympic triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. "James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch," observed a commentator about his influence in the game.
Defensive Lockdown in the Fourth
The USA’s defensive effort was crucial in their comeback. Serbia missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final quarter, a stark contrast to their shooting success earlier in the game. Derrick White’s brief appearance saw the USA outscored by 16 points in just under seven minutes of play, an indication of the challenges the team faced integrating different players amid Serbia’s sustained pressure.
In contrast, Kevin Durant proved to be an anchor for the team, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus rating for the semifinals. His steady presence, along with the heroics of Curry and James, anchored Team USA during their pivotal push.
Finals Await Against France
With this dramatic victory, the USA will now gear up to face France in the gold medal game. The Americans will need to carry forward the momentum and tactical finesse displayed in the closing quarters of the semifinal if they are to secure the top podium spot.