In an electrifying showdown that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling games in Olympic basketball history, the USA men's basketball team secured their spot in the gold medal game by defeating Serbia 95-91 in the 2024 semifinal matchup. Trailing by a daunting 17 points at one juncture and entering the final quarter with a 13-point deficit, the US team mounted an extraordinary comeback to upend a tenacious Serbian squad.
Serbia's Dominance and USA's Resilience
Serbia led for over 35 of the 40 minutes, demonstrating their prowess and composure on the big stage. With key performances from stalwarts like Aleksa Avramovic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ognjen Dobric, Serbia's sharpshooters kept pressing the USA defense with their remarkable 3-point shooting. Adding to the challenge, Serbian center Nikola Jokic was a constant presence on the floor, clocking nearly the entire game and contributing 17 points with a game-high 11 assists.
However, as the game reached its climax, the USA's experience and depth shone through. "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." Kerr's critical decision-making was put to the ultimate test, and it paid off handsomely.
The Final Quarter Turnaround
Entering the fourth quarter down by 13, the USA needed an almost perfect run to stay in contention. With a lineup featuring the likes of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker, Kerr's faith in his seasoned players proved to be the masterstroke. The USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the final quarter, turning the tide in spectacular fashion.
Stephen Curry was instrumental in this revival, sinking nine 3-pointers—marking the second-most made by a U.S. men's basketball player in the Olympics—en route to a game-high 36 points. This crucial contribution energized the entire team and put them in the driver's seat in crucial moments.
LeBron James, meanwhile, was everywhere down the stretch. Playing the entire fourth quarter, he had six points, six rebounds, and four assists, finishing with his second career Olympic triple-double: 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Key Tactical Moves
Steve Kerr's strategic acumen was on full display in the dying minutes of the game. His sole substitution in the fourth quarter was pivotal, bringing in Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis. This decision anchored the defense and bolstered the offense at a critical juncture. Remarkably, Kevin Durant was the only U.S. player with a positive plus-minus in the semifinals, underscoring his impactful presence on both ends of the floor.
Derrick White played for 6:46 minutes, during which the USA was outscored by 16 points. This fact highlighted the necessity of Kerr's reliance on the more experienced players during crunch time.
Serbia's Misfortune
Despite their valiant effort, Serbia struggled in the fourth quarter, particularly from beyond the arc. They missed all nine of their 3-point attempts in the final period—a stark contrast to their earlier efficiency. This cold streak, combined with the USA's renewed vigor, sealed their fate in a night where momentum shifted dramatically.
With this victory, the USA solidified their place in the gold medal game, setting up an eagerly anticipated clash with France. As the team prepares for this final hurdle, the lessons learned from their epic semifinal comeback will no doubt serve as a source of both inspiration and caution.
The stage is now set for a showdown that promises to be equally exhilarating, with both teams vying for the highest honor in international basketball. For now, though, the USA can bask, if only briefly, in the glory of a hard-fought victory that exemplifies the spirit and heart of true champions.