In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team overcame significant adversity to secure a nail-biting victory over Serbia in the semifinals. The 95-91 triumph not only sent the USA to the gold medal game against France but also highlighted the depth of talent and resilience within the squad.
Early Struggles and Fierce Competition
From the outset, Serbia demonstrated dominance, leading for over 35 minutes of the 40-minute game. Propelled by stellar performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric from beyond the arc, Serbia extended their lead to 17 points at one juncture. The USA faced a daunting challenge, entering the final quarter down by 13 points.
Veteran Leadership and Strategic Adjustments
“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,” reflects an observation on Kerr’s strategic shift. Steve Kerr's decision to rely on seasoned players paid dividends. The critical lineup featuring Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker orchestrated an immaculate comeback.
LeBron James was particularly instrumental, showcasing his versatility and leadership. “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,” highlights the narrative of his impactful performance.
Remarkable Fourth Quarter Turnaround
The USA's comeback was epitomized by their extraordinary fourth-quarter performance, wherein they outscored Serbia 32-15. Stephen Curry was a linchpin in this revival, netting nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history—and leading all scorers with 36 points. Curry's sharpshooting and clutch performances have become a hallmark of his illustrious career, and this semifinal was no different.
Despite Serbia's previous successes from long range, they struggled profoundly in the fourth quarter, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts. The defensive pressure exerted by the USA was relentless, forcing Serbia into difficult shots and critical turnovers.
Key Contributions from the Supporting Cast
Steve Kerr's tactical approach in the final minutes included a critical substitution—bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis, a decision that fortified the interior defense. Kevin Durant also played a pivotal role, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, further underscoring his efficient and impactful play.
By contrast, Derrick White's limited stint of 6:46 minutes was fraught with challenges as the USA was outscored by 16 points during his time on the court. This accentuated the importance of the veteran presence Kerr leaned on heavily during the crunch moments.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Medal Game
The USA now turns its focus to the impending gold medal game against France. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with the USA aiming to capitalize on the momentum garnered from their spectacular semifinal comeback.
As the team prepares, the standout performances of Curry, James, Durant, Embiid, and Booker will be vital. Their experience and poise under pressure were the cornerstones of the semifinal win and will be essential in the final pursuit of Olympic glory.
The stage is set for an intense finale, with the USA's quest for gold hinging on their ability to harness the resilience and determination displayed in their memorable victory over Serbia.