The USA men's basketball team showcased resilience and veteran prowess in the 2024 Olympic semifinals, stunning Serbia with a 95-91 comeback victory. This win propels Team USA into the highly anticipated gold medal game against France.
A Dramatic Comeback
The clash against Serbia was nothing short of electrifying, with the Americans overcoming a daunting 17-point deficit. Entering the final quarter down by 13 points, the USA orchestrated one of the most memorable comebacks in recent Olympic history. Serbia dominated for over 35 minutes of the game, exhibiting exceptional shooting, particularly from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who were strong from 3-point range. Nikola Jokic also played a crucial role, racking up 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
The tide turned in the final quarter when U.S. coach Steve Kerr made strategic adjustments, relying heavily on his veteran lineup. As one observer noted, "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 decision paid off handsomely.
Heroics from the Veterans
The closing lineup featured Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker, all of whom were instrumental in the turnaround. Curry, in particular, delivered a standout performance. He sank nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and scored a game-high 36 points.
James also demonstrated his timeless brilliance, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was particularly influential in the fourth quarter, contributing six points, six rebounds, and four assists. "James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch," one account highlighted. "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."
Clutch Coaching and Defense
USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the pivotal fourth quarter, a testament to their defensive tenacity and offensive execution. Notably, Serbia failed to make any of their nine 3-point attempts in the final period, a critical factor in their downfall. Kerr's only substitution during this period was bringing Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, allowing the team to maintain a consistent and cohesive defensive strategy.
Another strategic move by Kerr was limiting Derrick White's playing time to 6:46 minutes, during which Team USA was outscored by 16 points. This decision underscored Kerr’s adaptability and focus on maintaining a lineup that could deliver under pressure. Kevin Durant emerged as the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus, further emphasizing his invaluable presence on the court.
Eyes on the Gold Medal
With this victory, the USA men's basketball team now sets its sights on the gold medal game against France. It's a chance for redemption and glory as the team looks to build on the momentum and lessons learned from their thrilling semifinal win. The game against France promises to be another high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for the ultimate prize in Olympic basketball.