In a dramatic semi-final matchup at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged an unforgettable comeback to defeat Serbia 95-91, securing their place in the gold medal game against France. This triumphant victory, however, did not come easily.
A Game of Narrow Margins
Serbia dominated the game for more than 35 minutes, maintaining a lead that once stretched to 17 points. With the USA trailing by 13 points as they entered the final quarter, the outlook for Coach Steve Kerr's squad looked bleak.
Key Performances and Tactical Shifts
Serbia showcased stellar performances from key players Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who collectively excelled in their shooting from beyond the arc. Nikola Jokic, who played nearly every minute of the game, ended with a solid 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a decisive shift. He moved away from his usual deep rotation and opted to rely heavily on his veteran players in the final quarter. "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," observed one analyst.
The Remarkable Turnaround
This change in strategy paid off handsomely. Stephen Curry led the charge with an astounding performance, hitting nine 3-pointers, the second-most ever by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics. Curry finished the game with a staggering 36 points. LeBron James also rose to the occasion, achieving his second career Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. "James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch. Playing the entire fourth quarter, he had six points, six rebounds and four assists," the commentator noted.
Final Quarter Heroics
The final quarter saw the USA outscoring Serbia 32-15, turning the tide decisively. Kerr's reliance on his experienced players was evident as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the core lineup. The only substitution came when Joel Embiid replaced Anthony Davis until the final seconds.
Crucially, while Serbia missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final ten minutes, the USA's stars delivered under pressure. Kevin Durant emerged as the sole U.S. player with a positive plus-minus statistic for the game, underlining his influence on the court. Meanwhile, Derrick White's brief 6:46 minutes saw the USA outscored by 16 points, a period that highlighted the critical importance of veteran stability in high-pressure moments.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Medal Game
With this victory, the USA now turns its attention to the gold medal game against France. This remarkable comeback has not only showcased the sheer talent within the team but has also highlighted the strategic acumen of Coach Steve Kerr. The blend of seasoned veterans and sharp tactical adjustments will undoubtedly be key as they prepare to face a formidable French team, aiming to clinch yet another Olympic basketball title.