In an electrifying showdown at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Serbia, 95-91, in the semifinals, securing their place in the gold medal game against France. The game was a testament to resilience and the strategic brilliance of coach Steve Kerr, who made crucial adjustments in the final moments to turn the tide in favor of the U.S. team.
A Tale of Two Halves
Serbia dominated the matchup for much of the game, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. The U.S. team found themselves in a dire situation, trailing by as many as 17 points at one stage. At the end of the third quarter, they were down by 13, with Serbia showcasing remarkable consistency and strength from beyond the arc, thanks to stellar performances from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric.
Veteran Leadership
"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 seasoned analyst. This strategic pivot proved to be a masterstroke. In the final quarter, Kerr leaned on the experience and poise of legends like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker.
The Comeback
The fourth quarter was a different story entirely. The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in a blistering display of offense and tight defense. Stephen Curry was nothing short of spectacular, hitting nine 3-pointers, the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics, and finished with 36 points. His shooting clinic was complemented by LeBron James, who seemed omnipresent on the court during the final stretch. James notched 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 and finished with his second career Olympics triple-double," noted an observer, capturing the essence of James' dominant performance.
Defensive Prowess
While the offensive heroics grabbed headlines, it was the defensive discipline that sealed the victory. Serbia, who had been proficient from 3-point range for most of the game, missed all nine of their attempts from beyond the arc in the critical fourth quarter. Nikola Jokic, who played almost the entire game and finished with 17 points and a game-high 11 assists, could not lift his team in the face of the USA's relentless defense.
Kerr's trust in his veterans was evident as he made only one substitution in the fourth quarter, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis during the final seconds. Derrick White's limited time on the court raised eyebrows, as the USA was outscored by 16 points during his 6:46 minutes of play. Conversely, Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus, underlining his crucial role in the team's performance.
Looking Ahead
As the USA prepares for the gold medal game against France, the confidence gained from this dramatic comeback will be invaluable. The blend of seasoned veterans and tactical acumen has positioned the USA as formidable contenders for the top podium spot. Coach Kerr's ability to adapt and leverage the strengths of his star-studded lineup may be the key to overcoming the final hurdle.