USA Edges Past Serbia to Secure Spot in Gold Medal Game
In a thrilling semifinal match at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team narrowly defeated Serbia with a score of 95-91. This victory secured their place in the highly anticipated gold medal game against France, but it was far from an easy win.
The USA found themselves trailing by a staggering 17 points at one stage and entered the final quarter down by 13 points. With Serbia leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes, the challenge was formidable. However, the USA's resilience and strategic adjustments in the final moments proved decisive.
Serbia's Team Effort
Serbia's basketball team featured standout performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who consistently delivered from 3-point range. The linchpin of Serbia's offense was Nikola Jokic, who played almost the entire game, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Despite these efforts, the fourth quarter saw Serbia falter, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts, a stark contrast to their earlier form. This lapse opened a window for the USA to mount a comeback.
USA's Strategic Mastery
U.S. coach Steve Kerr, who had spent most of the Olympics utilizing a deep rotation, leaned heavily on his veteran players as the game reached its climax. The critical closing lineup included Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. This seasoned roster brought their A-game in the final quarter, outscoring Serbia 32-15.
Stephen Curry was at the forefront, hitting nine 3-pointers—a remarkable feat that marked the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in Olympic history. His contribution of 36 points was integral to the USA's triumphant comeback.
LeBron James’ Performance
LeBron James showcased his legendary versatility and leadership, 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," an observer noted.
James’ all-around effort, especially in the crucial moments, provided the necessary support to fend off Serbia's offensive threats. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts anchored the team's defensive and offensive strategies.
The Key Substitution
Steve Kerr's only fourth-quarter substitution was a strategic masterstroke, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis until the final seconds. This change fortified the USA's interior defense and added a fresh spark to their attack. Derrick White's brief stint of 6:46 minutes, during which the USA was outscored by 16 points, highlighted the difference efficient substitutions could make.
Kevin Durant also played a crucial role, being the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals. His balanced play contributed to maintaining stability in critical phases, ensuring that the team did not fall further behind when on the court.
Looking Ahead
With this nail-biting victory, the USA basketball team now turns its attention to France in the upcoming gold medal game. As they prepare, the lessons from their tight contest against Serbia will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their strategy. The veterans, led by coach Steve Kerr, have shown that determination and experience are invaluable in the high-stakes environment of Olympic basketball.
The stage is set for another electrifying encounter, one that promises to be a fitting culmination of the talent and drama that has characterized the 2024 Olympic basketball tournament.