The USA men's basketball team triumphed over Serbia in a thrilling semifinals matchup at the 2024 Olympics, securing their place in the gold medal game. The victory was marked by a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, where Team USA overturned a 13-point deficit to eventually win 95-91.
Dramatic Comeback
Trailing by as much as 17 points earlier in the game, the United States struggled against a robust Serbian team that led for over 35 minutes of the 40-minute contest. Entering the final quarter down by 13 points, U.S. coach Steve Kerr made pivotal adjustments that would turn the tide in favor of his squad. "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," an observer noted.
The Serbian side, featuring standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric from beyond the arc, seemed firmly in control for the majority of the game. Nikola Jokic was an ever-present force, playing almost the entire game and finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Despite their impressive efforts, Serbia's dominance began to wane in the closing moments.
Veterans Lead The Charge
The fourth quarter belonged to the USA, outscoring Serbia 32-15. The critical closing lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker spearheaded the American offensive surge. Curry, in particular, was remarkable, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, and amassing a total of 36 points. LeBron James was equally influential, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
"James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch. Playing the entire fourth quarter, he had six points, six rebounds and four assists," noted an account of his performance. Indeed, James' versatility and leadership were crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum during the high-pressure moments.
Steve Kerr's strategic decision to lean on his veterans proved wise. Kerr made minimal substitutions, only bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis, and this lineup's cohesion was evident as they relentlessly chipped away at Serbia's lead. Derrick White, who briefly took to the floor for 6:46 minutes, saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his tenure, highlighting the necessity for the veteran presence.
Serbia Falters Under Pressure
Serbia, despite their strong start, encountered significant difficulties in the final quarter. They missed all nine of their 3-point attempts, a stark contrast to their performance earlier in the game. This shooting slump underscored the pressure applied by Team USA’s defense and the fatigue from maintaining an aggressive pace throughout the game.
Kevin Durant, who was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, contributed effectively on both ends of the court, ensuring the American side remained competitive during critical stretches. His efforts, combined with those of his high-profile teammates, underscored the depth and resilience of the U.S. team.
Looking Ahead to France
With this hard-fought victory, the USA men's basketball team now turns its focus to the gold medal game against France. The matchup promises to be another exhilarating contest, with both teams vying for the ultimate Olympic honor. As the U.S. team prepares, the resilience and experience showcased in their win against Serbia will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for their upcoming challenge.
Serbia, despite falling short, exhibited commendable skill and determination. The performances of their star players will be remembered as highlights of the tournament, even as they miss out on the chance to compete for gold.
In a game marked by heart-stopping action and exceptional individual performances, the United States demonstrated why they remain a dominant force in international basketball. As they advance to the gold medal game, their eyes are set on achieving yet another historic Olympic victory.