USA Triumphs Over Serbia, Securing Spot in Gold Medal Game
In a thrilling showdown at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team overcame a significant deficit to defeat Serbia, 95-91, in the semifinals. The intense match saw the American squad showcasing resilience and determination, setting the stage for a highly anticipated gold medal clash against France.
The encounter began on a challenging note for the USA. At one point, they found themselves trailing by 17 points, an uphill battle that seemed daunting against a well-prepared Serbian team. Entering the final quarter, the Americans were still behind by 13 points, with Serbia maintaining their lead for over 35 of the game's 40 minutes.
Serbia's performance was bolstered by key players such as Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who excelled from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic put in a stellar effort, playing nearly the entire game and contributing 17 points along with a game-high 11 assists.
However, the tides turned dramatically in the final quarter. USA’s coach Steve Kerr, known for his strategic prowess, opted for a lineup of experienced veterans to mount a comeback. Stephen Curry was instrumental in the revival, making nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history—culminating in a game-high 36 points. Alongside him, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker were pivotal in the USA's resurgence.
"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," it was observed. James, in particular, was indispensable during the decisive moments. He remained relentless throughout the final quarter, accumulating six points, six rebounds, and four assists. His overall performance was marked by his second career Olympic triple-double, amassing 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Kerr’s tactical decisions were crucial. In the final quarter, he made only one substitution—bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the closing seconds. This decisive move paid off as the quintet outscored Serbia 32-15 in the final period, sealing the victory. Additionally, Serbia’s struggles from the 3-point line in the last quarter—missing all nine of their attempts—added to their woes and facilitated the American comeback.
While Derrick White saw 6:46 minutes of action where the USA was outscored by 16 points, the resilience and veteran savvy of the closing lineup helped the USA overcome these challenges. Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his impact despite the initial difficulties faced by the team.
The stage is now set for an exhilarating gold medal game against France. With the stars of USA basketball delivering standout performances and the strategic acumen of Coach Steve Kerr, fans can expect an exciting finale to the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympics.