The Paris Olympics men's basketball semifinals delivered a thrilling contest as Team USA narrowly edged out Serbia with a 95-91 victory. With this win, Team USA secured its place in the gold medal game against France, but not without facing significant challenges.
Team USA's journey to victory was anything but smooth. At one point, the Americans were trailing by 17 points, appearing disorganized and underperforming. "Team USA was still, for large stretches of the game, discombobulated, poorly functioning, and, yes, overmatched," observed one commentator.
Curry's Heroics
The standout performance came from Steph Curry, who scored an impressive 36 points. His scoring prowess was instrumental in closing the gap and eventually taking the lead. Joel Embiid also contributed significantly, scoring 19 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting. Not to be overlooked, LeBron James recorded a triple-double, further showcasing his all-around skills and leadership in critical moments.
Serbia's Strong Challenge
On the other side, Serbia's Nikola Jokic reinforced why he has been a dominant force in the NBA, having won three of the last four MVP Awards. Jokic's performance galvanized Serbia, bringing them within striking distance of a major upset. "That's the magic of Jokic," an analyst commented. "The man could be one of the all-time, all-time greats." Despite Team USA's eventual triumph, the manner in which Jokic led Serbia had many reassessing his place in the history of the game.
One observer noted, "Team USA, despite the 95-91 win and its accompanying berth to Saturday's gold medal game against France, is a flawed-if-destined champion, with an emphasis on 'flawed.'" This statement underscores the complex narrative surrounding the win—an acknowledgment of the team's vulnerabilities even in victory.
A Win With Reservations
While Team USA celebrated their hard-fought win, it was clear that the game raised more questions than it answered. "America vs. The World can seem like the turtle and the hare, but with a different ending," one assessment read, highlighting the unpredictable nature of international basketball competition.
The game was a testament to the high stakes and intense competition of Olympic basketball, where even a team as historically dominant as the USA can find itself vulnerable. "Team USA won on Thursday. But the way they had to win should have us looking at Jokic with fresh eyes, open to the possibility he may actually be one of the greatest players in the game's history," remarked one commentator, signaling a shift in how individual brilliance is perceived in the context of team achievements.
As the eyes of the basketball world now turn to the gold medal game against France, the narrative for Team USA remains one of both triumph and introspection. Their ability to adapt and overcome will be put to the ultimate test, aiming to reaffirm their position atop the basketball hierarchy.