USA Overcomes Serbia's Strong Start to Reach Olympic Basketball Gold Medal Game
In an electrifying semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team mounted an extraordinary comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France. The victory was a testament to resilience, strategic adjustments, and veteran leadership.
Trailing by 17 points at one point and entering the final quarter down by 13, the USA faced an uphill battle. Serbia had commanded the game for over 35 of the 40 minutes, thanks in part to stellar performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who showcased precision from 3-point range. Nikola Jokic, a key player for Serbia, contributed significantly with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists, playing almost the entire game.
USA’s head coach Steve Kerr, known for his reliance on deep rotations, altered his strategy in the crucial moments of the game. "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. Kerr's decision to trust experienced players paid off handsomely in the final quarter.
Stephen Curry, a vital part of the team’s closing lineup, delivered a sensational performance. Curry, alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker, spearheaded the comeback. Curry’s shooting was impeccable, making nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history—and scoring a game-high 36 points.
LeBron James, showing no signs of slowing down in his age, was instrumental in the final quarter. "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 proficiency underscored his invaluable contribution to the team.
The fourth quarter was where the game took a dramatic turn. The USA outscored Serbia 32-15, a turnaround fueled by both offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Despite Serbia's previous success from beyond the arc, they missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final quarter. The defensive pressure and intensity were at their peak, orchestrated by Kerr’s lineup, which played cohesively.
Another crucial move by Kerr was the strategic substitution in the fourth quarter, bringing Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis. This switch until the final seconds provided fresh energy and ensured defensive solidity. Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the game, highlighting his consistent impact.
Conversely, Derrick White's brief stint on the floor was less effective; in his 6-minute, 46-second playtime, the USA was outscored by 16 points. It underscored the difficulty of finding the right balance and the significance of Kerr’s reliance on seasoned veterans when it mattered most.
With this hard-fought victory, the USA now sets its sights on the gold medal game against France. The rematch promises to be another intense battle as Team USA aims to reclaim Olympic glory.
The semifinal was a showcase of skill, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of a team led by some of basketball’s greatest names. It leaves fans with high anticipation for what promises to be an epic gold medal game.