In a high-stakes semifinal clash at the 2024 Olympics, the USA men's basketball team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Serbia, securing their spot in the gold medal game against France. The USA, known for its deep bench and superior talent, displayed resilience and veteran savvy to overturn a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
Overcoming a Tremendous Deficit
Serbia dominated the game for a majority of the time, leading for over 35 of the 40 minutes. At one point, the USA found themselves trailing by 17 points, and they entered the final quarter down by 13. Serbia's sharp shooting, particularly from Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, kept the pressure on the Americans. Additionally, Nikola Jokic played almost the entire game for Serbia, contributing 17 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Despite these challenges, U.S. coach Steve Kerr made a pivotal decision to rely heavily on his veterans in the crucial moments of the game. "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," noted an observer. This strategy proved to be the turning point for the squad.
The Veterans Step Up
Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker formed the critical closing lineup that engineered the comeback. Stephen Curry, in particular, had a standout performance, making nine 3-pointers—the second-most by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics. Curry finished the game with 36 points, propelling the USA's offense in the crucial moments. His shooting provided the spark and confidence needed to close the gap.
LeBron James, the ever-reliable veteran, achieved his second career Olympic triple-double with a stat line of 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 account of his performance read, capturing his all-around impact in the final minutes.
Defensive Stands and Strategic Moves
The USA's defense clamped down in the final quarter, holding Serbia to just 15 points. Serbia, who had been proficient from beyond the arc, missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter. This defensive prowess was instrumental in shifting the momentum.
Steve Kerr's lineup adjustments were meticulously calculated. Joel Embiid was brought in for Anthony Davis, marking the only substitution in the fourth quarter until the final seconds. This move allowed the USA to balance their defensive and offensive efforts efficiently. Meanwhile, Derrick White, who played for 6:46 minutes earlier in the game, saw the USA outscored by 16 points during his stint, indicating the need for more seasoned players in crunch time.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Medal Game
With this victory, the USA has booked their place in the gold medal game against France. Their journey through the tournament has been a testament to their resilience and tactical adaptability. Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his indispensable role in the team's strategies both offensively and defensively.
This win not only showcased the depth and versatility of the USA roster but also highlighted the critical importance of veteran leadership in high-pressure scenarios. As they prepare for the final clash with France, the USA will draw on the experiences and lessons from this thrilling semifinal to aim for Olympic glory once again.