The U.S.A. men's basketball team has once again showcased their resilience and prowess on the court, securing a thrilling victory over Serbia in the semifinals of the 2024 Olympics with a score of 95-91. This nail-biting win has earned them a spot in the highly anticipated gold medal game against France.
Comeback for the Ages
The game was nothing short of a rollercoaster. The Americans were trailing by as much as 17 points, and the deficit was still a daunting 13 points entering the final quarter. For over 35 of the 40 minutes of the game, Serbia maintained the lead, showcasing the formidable skills of players such as Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, who were particularly effective from beyond the arc.
Serbian Strength and Strategy
Nikola Jokic was the linchpin for Serbia, playing almost the entire game, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists. His on-court vision and ball distribution kept the U.S. defense on their toes. Despite Serbia's strong overall performance, they faltered when it mattered most, missing all nine of their 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter.
Kerr's Strategic Shift
"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." This shift in strategy proved to be crucial. Steve Kerr's significant move was reliance on a veteran lineup in the final quarter, consisting of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker. This lineup was instrumental in turning the tide.
Curry and James Lead the Charge
Stephen Curry was nothing short of spectacular, making nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics, and scoring a total of 36 points. His sharpshooting kept the American dream alive as he spearheaded the offensive comeback.
LeBron James, too, was pivotal. James achieved his second career Olympic triple-double, contributing 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 and finished with his second career Olympics triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists," epitomizing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.
Fourth Quarter Mastery
The Americans outscored Serbia 32-15 in the final quarter, showcasing their defensive solidity and offensive explosiveness. Steve Kerr made minimal substitutions, bringing Joel Embiid in for Anthony Davis until the closing seconds. This decision solidified the defense and bolstered the team's rebounding capabilities.
Meanwhile, Derrick White, who played for 6 minutes and 46 seconds, saw the U.S. outscored by 16 points during his time on the floor. Kevin Durant stood out as the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, further underlining his crucial role in the team's victory.
As the U.S. team prepares for the ultimate showdown against France, their semifinal performance stands as a testament to their tenacity, talent, and tactical acumen. The blend of veteran leadership and individual brilliance has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying gold medal game.