In a thrilling showdown at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA managed to claim a hard-fought victory over Serbia in the basketball semifinals, securing a spot in the gold medal game against France. The fiercely contested match saw the American team overcome a 17-point deficit, eventually edging past Serbia with a final score of 95-91.
Curry's Spectacular Performance
The game was marked by Stephen Curry’s breathtaking performance, as he scored 36 points and sank nine 3-pointers. Curry came tantalizingly close to breaking Carmelo Anthony’s Olympic record of ten 3-pointers set in 2012 against Nigeria. Reflecting on his role in the game, Curry said, “It’s all about staying focused and pushing through. The team’s effort was phenomenal.” Up until this match, Curry had scored a total of just 29 points across Team USA's first four games, making his breakout performance all the more remarkable.
Contributions from Key Players
Joel Embiid also played a significant role, contributing 19 points to the team’s tally. Meanwhile, NBA superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant made crucial baskets in the closing moments of the game, ensuring that Team USA held onto their narrow lead.
Serbia's Valiant Effort
On the Serbian side, Nikola Jokic led the charge with 17 points and 11 assists, demonstrating his exceptional playmaking ability. Bogdan Bogdanovic was also a standout performer, scoring 20 points for the team. Despite their loss, Serbia showed resilience and skill, setting the stage for an anticipated bronze medal game against Germany.
Reactions from the Basketball Community
The matchup drew widespread admiration from fellow basketball players and legends. Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, and Trae Young were among those who expressed their appreciation for the competitive spirit on display. “It was an incredible contest that showcased the best of international basketball,” Morant shared.
Tyrese Maxey, who has played alongside Curry, praised his teammate’s outstanding performance. “Seeing Steph light it up like that was amazing. It just shows why he’s one of the best shooters in the game,” Maxey noted.
Other NBA players like Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, and Jordan Clarkson offered their reflections on social media, highlighting the intensity and excitement of the semifinal clash. Quentin Grimes also joined in, celebrating the dramatic shifts and standout performances that characterized the game.
Legends Weigh In
Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson lauded the efforts of both teams, emphasizing the high level of play and the determination shown by the athletes. “Games like this remind us why we love basketball. The players left everything on the court, and it was a joy to watch,” Johnson remarked.
Echoing Johnson's sentiments, Spain legend Pau Gasol and Argentina's Manu Ginobili reflected on the impactful plays that defined the tight contest. “These moments make history in Olympic basketball,” Ginobili commented, underscoring the significance of the events.
Former NBA guard Evan Turner also highlighted the importance of such thrilling encounters in international basketball. “It's these kinds of games that stay with you, that elevate the sport and bring fans together worldwide,” Turner added.
As Team USA prepares for their gold medal showdown against France, they can draw confidence from their resilience and stellar performances. Meanwhile, Serbia will aim to secure a place on the podium in their upcoming bronze medal game against Germany. This clash against Serbia has not only secured Team USA's place in the final but has also offered fans an exhilarating spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.