The USA men's basketball team has once again displayed their resilience and prowess on the international stage, securing their place in the gold medal game at the 2024 Olympics. In a thrilling semifinal match, the USA overcame a formidable Serbian team with a final score of 95-91.
An Unpredictable Turn of Events
USA faced considerable adversity early on, trailing by 17 points during the game. As the final quarter commenced, the Americans found themselves down by 13 points. The Serbian team, led by notable players such as Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, had a stronghold on the game, maintaining the lead for over 35 of the 40 minutes.
Nikola Jokic, a staple in Serbia's lineup, put forth a commendable effort, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. His near-complete game performance epitomized Serbia's determination to advance to the final.
Veterans Lead the Charge
With the game on the line, U.S. coach Steve Kerr strategically invested in his seasoned veterans. "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 noted. The decision paid off as the experienced lineup brought a pivotal transformation to the game.
Stephen Curry, pivotal in the USA's closing efforts, showcased an exceptional performance, scoring nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. Curry concluded the game with an impressive 36 points, making a decisive impact in the final moments.
LeBron James was instrumental as well, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double. Playing the entire fourth quarter, James contributed with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His versatility and dominance were critical in the USA's comeback. "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," an account of his crucial performance mentioned.
Dramatic Fourth Quarter
The game turned dramatically in the fourth quarter, where the USA outscored Serbia 32-15. The tactical decisions made by Kerr, particularly the limited substitutions, played a decisive role. Joel Embiid replaced Anthony Davis early in the fourth quarter, and Kerr made no other changes until the final seconds. This focused strategy underscored the confidence and trust Kerr placed in his star players to close out the game.
Moreover, Serbia's cold streak from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter was a significant factor in their downfall. Serbian players missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final period, allowing the USA to capitalize on this scoring drought. This stark contrast was a key narrative of the closing moments where Curry, James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker dominated the floor.
Looking Forward to the Final
As the USA prepares to face France in the gold medal game, their semifinal performance stands as a testament to their perseverance and tactical acumen. This game highlighted the unwavering spirit of the American team, demonstrating their ability to overcome substantial deficits and pressure-filled moments. The leadership of seasoned players and the strategic insights of Coach Kerr will undoubtedly be critical as they aim for Olympic glory.