USA Overcomes Serbia in Thrilling Semifinal Comeback
In one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team pulled off a stunning 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players alike. The USA found themselves trailing by as much as 17 points, and entered the final quarter down by 13. Serbia dominated the majority of the game, holding the lead for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Their stellar performance, led by Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, was marked by exceptional shooting from beyond the arc.
Serbia's ace, Nikola Jokic, was a force on the court, playing almost the entire game and finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. Despite their determined efforts, Serbia faltered in the crucial moments of the fourth quarter. They missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the last period, paving the way for a USA resurgence.
Fourth Quarter Heroics
USA coach Steve Kerr, known for his strategy of utilizing a deep rotation throughout most of the Olympics, switched tactics when it mattered most. "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.
Indeed, Kerr's decision to stick with seasoned players in the final quarter paid off handsomely. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the critical closing lineup that turned the game around. The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in a jaw-dropping fourth quarter, showcasing their grit and experience.
Stephen Curry was sensational, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics, and leading the game with 36 points. His extraordinary performance was complemented by LeBron James, who was omnipresent during the crucial moments of the game. "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," detailed an account of his performance.
Key Substitutions and Game Strategy
Kerr's strategic maneuvering was evident in his limited substitutions during the final quarter. The only change made was bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds, a decision that fortified the USA's defense and added offensive firepower. Kevin Durant, notably, was the only U.S. player to end the game with a positive plus-minus, underscoring his impact on the court.
On the flip side, Derrick White's brief stint of 6:46 minutes saw the USA being outscored by 16 points, indicating a challenging period during his playtime. These nuanced adjustments and individual performances highlight the intricate balance Kerr had to maintain in such a high-stakes game.
A Heartbreaking Loss for Serbia
For Serbia, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after leading for such a significant portion of the game. Their offensive prowess, particularly from the 3-point line, was unmatched until the final quarter. Jokic's near-complete game illustrated his commitment and skill, yet it wasn't enough to fend off the American comeback.
As the final buzzer sounded, there was a palpable sense of relief and triumph in the USA camp. The victory not only demonstrated the team's resilience but also set the stage for an eagerly awaited gold medal clash with France.
The gold medal game promises to be another thrilling encounter, with both teams displaying formidable skill and resolve throughout the tournament. For now, the USA basks in the glory of this hard-fought win, a testament to their determination and the veteran leadership that carried them through.