In a thrilling semifinal clash during the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team emerged victorious against Serbia, sealing their spot in the gold medal game with a narrow 95-91 win. Despite facing significant adversities, the Americans showcased resilience and tenacity, particularly in the critical moments of the game.
A Comeback for the Ages
The game began as a challenging uphill battle for the USA. Trailing by as much as 17 points at one stage, and entering the final quarter down by 13, the odds were not in their favor. Serbia commanded the game for over 35 minutes of the 40-minute contest, driven by strong performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who were particularly effective from beyond the arc.
Nikola Jokic also played a pivotal role for Serbia, almost never leaving the court. Jokic concluded the game with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists, setting the tempo for his team.
The Veterans Take Over
U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a strategic decision to rely heavily on his veteran players 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." Steve Kerr's decision proved instrumental in their dramatic turnaround.
LeBron James, in particular, was a central figure in this resurgence. "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." His all-around performance was crucial in swinging the momentum back in favor of the USA.
A Dominant Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter saw a remarkable 32-15 surge by the USA, with Stephen Curry playing a pivotal role. Curry's sharpshooting was on full display, as he sank nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history, ending the game with a team-high 36 points.
Despite the formidable defense and firepower of Serbia, the USA's defensive adjustments and clutch offensive plays rendered Serbia scoreless from the three-point line in the final quarter, missing all nine of their attempts.
Cohesion and Strategy
Coach Kerr’s strategy of keeping a consistent line-up in the decisive moments, only bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, maintained the rhythm and unity needed to execute the comeback effectively. The presence of experienced players like Kevin Durant, who was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, was essential in stabilizing the team's performance under pressure.
Meanwhile, Derrick White, despite his efforts, had a tough spell on the court where the USA was outscored by 16 points during his 6:46 minutes of play. This only underscored the necessity for Kerr's reliance on his veteran line-up to secure the win.
Gold Medal Showdown Ahead
With this victory, the USA has advanced to the gold medal game, where they will face France. The team's ability to overcome a significant deficit and perform under pressure speaks volumes about their resilience and determination.
As they prepare for the final contest, the USA men's basketball team will seek to capitalize on their veteran leadership and strategic brilliance that brought them past Serbia. With the likes of Stephen Curry and LeBron James demonstrating exemplary performances, the stage is set for another epic showdown on the Olympic courts.