The United States men's basketball team secured an electrifying victory over Serbia in the 2024 Olympics semifinals, clinching a hard-fought 95-91 win that propelled them into the gold medal game against France. Despite a tough game that saw the USA trailing by significant margins, their resilience and star power ultimately led them to triumph.
Resilience and Determination
The matchup was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with Serbia dominating for most of the game. Serbia led for over 35 of the 40 minutes, showcasing a formidable offense spearheaded by Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who excelled from beyond the arc. The Serbs' relentless attacking left the USA down by 17 points at one point, and entering the final quarter, they were trailing by 13.
Nikola Jokic, Serbia's heartbeat, played almost the entirety of the game. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Despite his efforts, the USA staged a remarkable comeback in the final quarter.
The Veteran Influence
In a critical move, U.S. coach Steve Kerr leaned heavily on his seasoned veterans as the clock ticked down. "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." Kerr's strategy paid off handsomely as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker took control.
Stephen Curry was especially pivotal, netting a phenomenal 36 points. His sharpshooting was on full display, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics. Curry's efforts were instrumental in the USA outscoring Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, James was everywhere on the court: "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."
Key Performances
Kevin Durant also stood out, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, a testament to his impact on both ends of the floor. Joel Embiid's entry late in the game, replacing Anthony Davis, was Kerr's only fourth-quarter substitution until the final seconds. The cohesive effort from the USA's closing lineup was vital in overcoming Serbia's initial dominance.
On the Serbian side, the team struggled in the closing moments, particularly from the 3-point line, missing all nine of their attempts in the fourth quarter. This cold spell from long range significantly hindered their ability to respond to the USA's surging offense.
Looking Ahead
As the USA team gears up for the gold medal clash against France, this semifinal serves as a powerful reminder of their capability to execute under pressure. Steve Kerr's tactical adjustments, combined with the awe-inspiring performances from Curry and James, leave them well-positioned for another Olympic triumph.
The road to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. Derrick White's brief 6:46 on the court, during which the USA was outscored by 16 points, underscores the challenges the team faced in finding the right balance. However, the successful reliance on their experienced core when it mattered most speaks volumes about their championship mettle.
This upcoming showdown against France is not just a battle for gold but a testament to the tenacity and skill that the USA traditionally brings to the basketball court. Given their dramatic semifinal win, all eyes will be on how they channel this momentum in the quest for Olympic glory.