In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged an electrifying comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, ensuring their place in the gold medal game against France. The game was a testament to the resilience and experience of the American squad, as they overcame significant deficits to clinch the win.
Overcoming a 17-Point Deficit
At one point, the USA trailed by 17 points, and entered the final quarter down by 13. Serbia held the lead for over 35 of the 40 minutes of the game, showcasing a dominating performance fueled by the sharpshooting of Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric from beyond the arc. Serbian star Nikola Jokic played nearly the entire game, recording 17 points and dishing out a game-high 11 assists.
Fourth Quarter Surge
The tide began to turn in the final quarter when U.S. coach Steve Kerr decided to lean heavily on his veteran players. "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. This strategic move paid off as the USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter, erasing the deficit and securing the victory.
The critical lineup featured seasoned NBA stars Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. Stephen Curry was particularly sensational, knocking down nine 3-pointers – the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history – and finishing the game with 36 points. His performance was instrumental in the American rally.
LeBron's Triple-Double
LeBron James was another key figure in the USA’s comeback. Playing the entire fourth quarter, James filled the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, and four assists in that period alone. He concluded the game with his second career Olympic triple-double, amassing 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. As one account highlighted, "James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch."
Defensive Stands and Key Substitutions
While the offensive fireworks were vital, the USA’s defensive effort in the fourth quarter cannot be understated. Serbia, which had been proficient from 3-point range for much of the game, missed all nine of their attempts in the final period. Kerr’s tactical defensive adjustments and use of the roster played a crucial role. Steve Kerr's only substitution in the fourth quarter was opting for Joel Embiid over Anthony Davis until the final seconds, highlighting his confidence in the players he trusted to secure the victory. Derrick White, who saw limited action in the game, struggled during his time on the floor as the USA was outscored by 16 points in his 6:46 minutes of play.
Among the American squad, Kevin Durant distinguished himself with the highest plus-minus rating, proving his value on both ends of the floor. His performance, along with those of his colleagues, set the stage for a crucial final showdown.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the USA now sets its sights on France in the gold medal game. The American team will need another collective effort and possibly more late-game heroics to secure the top podium spot. The combination of Curry’s shooting prowess, LeBron’s all-around excellence, and the depth of experience on the roster makes for a promising, if challenging, pursuit of Olympic glory.
This semifinal game will be remembered for the USA’s tenacity and capacity to perform under pressure, hallmarks of a team with an eye on reclaiming their Olympic dominance.