USA Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Serbia to Secure Spot in Gold Medal Game
In a sensational comeback, the USA men's basketball team secured their place in the gold medal game of the 2024 Olympics by defeating Serbia, 95-91, in a thrilling semifinal match. Behind by as much as 17 points and entering the final quarter down by 13, the USA team showcased resilience, anchored by their veterans and the impeccable leadership of coach Steve Kerr.
A Rocky Start
The game was largely dominated by Serbia, who led for over 35 of the 40 minutes. Serbia's team, loaded with talent including Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, performed exceptionally well from beyond the arc. The towering presence of Nikola Jokic was particularly notable, as he played almost the entire game, closing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
The U.S. squad, however, encountered significant challenges. Midway through the game, Coach Kerr found that his deep rotation strategy was falling short. Notably, Derrick White’s 6:46 minutes on the court saw the USA outscored by 16 points. Despite these setbacks, the turning point came with a strategic shift in the final quarter.
Veterans Lead the Charge
“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 observation that encapsulates Kerr's strategy shift. This crucial decision paved the way for a dramatic turnaround.
Stephen Curry emerged as a linchpin in this critical moment. Curry, who made nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics—was in electrifying form, finishing the game with 36 points. His prowess from deep range was instrumental in closing the gap.
Joining Curry in the pivotal closing lineup were LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. James, in particular, was instrumental during the final stretch. “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.” This all-around performance was a testament to James's enduring capability to influence all facets of the game.
Turning the Tables
The climax of the game arrived in the fourth quarter, where the USA outscored Serbia 32-15. This terrific offensive surge was coupled with an iron-clad defense, as Serbia missed all nine of their 3-point attempts during this period. Steve Kerr's only fourth-quarter substitution saw Joel Embiid replacing Anthony Davis, a move which fortified the USA's defensive and offensive fronts until the game’s closing moments.
Kevin Durant also shone brightly, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals. His consistent performance provided the necessary stabilization amidst the high-pressure environment.
Eyes on the Gold
The dramatic comeback victory not only emphasizes the depth and talent of Team USA but also their capacity to perform under immense pressure. As they now set their sights on the gold medal game against France, the blend of youthful energy and veteran experience stands as their prime asset.
The upcoming face-off promises to be a spectacle, as Team USA aims to leverage this enriched experience and tactical acumen to reclaim the top position in Olympic basketball.
As the team prepares, one thing remains clear: with leaders like Stephen Curry and LeBron James steering the course, and Steve Kerr’s adept adjustments, the USA is poised for a memorable conclusion to their Olympic journey.