Team USA Overcomes Serbia in Thrilling Olympic Semifinal
Team USA showcased their resilience and firepower, overcoming a 17-point deficit to secure a dramatic 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This victory propels them into the gold medal game against France on Saturday, promising another thrilling contest.
The game saw a phenomenal performance from Stephen Curry, who led the charge with a staggering 36 points, including nine 3-pointers. Curry's sharpshooting fell just one 3-pointer short of Carmelo Anthony’s Olympic record of 10, set against Nigeria in 2012. Despite missing the record, Curry's heroics were instrumental in reversing the tide for Team USA, who had been trailing significantly in the first half.
Curry’s spectacular night was complemented by solid contributions from Joel Embiid, who added 19 points, and clutch plays from veterans LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who made critical baskets late in the game to seal the victory. Reflecting on the contest, 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey praised his teammate’s performance, highlighting Curry’s pivotal role in the comeback.
Nikola Jokic, Serbia’s talisman, recorded a robust 17 points and 11 assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Serbian scoring efforts with 20 points. Despite their efforts, Serbia fell short of securing a spot in the final and will now face Germany in the bronze medal game.
This semifinal clash was not just a showcase of individual talents but also a testament to the collective determination and strategic adjustments made by Team USA. Lillard, Ja Morant, and Trae Young expressed their admiration for the thrilling nature of the contest, underlining the high stakes and emotional swings that characterized the game.
A host of former and current NBA stars took to social media to share their reflections on the encounter. Knicks guards Josh Hart and Deuce McBride, as well as Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, weighed in with their thoughts. Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes joined in the celebration of the game’s narrative, underscoring its dramatic shifts and standout performances. From the Hall of Fame, Magic Johnson lauded the players' efforts, offering his insights on the game’s intense back-and-forth.
Spain legend Pau Gasol and Argentina's Manu Ginobili echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the impactful plays that defined the semifinal clash. Former NBA guard Evan Turner added to the conversation, highlighting the significance of such enthralling encounters in international basketball. These reflections from basketball icons further cemented the game’s place as a memorable chapter in Olympic history.
Curry’s performance was particularly notable given his relatively quiet start to the tournament; he had scored a total of 29 points in Team USA's first four games. His resurgence against Serbia not only underscored his ability to rise to the occasion but also provided a much-needed boost to the team’s overall morale and dynamic.
As Team USA prepares to face France in the final, the momentum from this comeback victory will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst. With seasoned leaders like LeBron James and Kevin Durant continuing to play pivotal roles, and Curry in peak form, Team USA is poised to chase yet another gold medal in its storied Olympic history.
Serbia, albeit disappointed, demonstrated commendable skill and tenacity, promising a fierce contest in the bronze medal game against Germany. Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic will be central to Serbia's hopes of clinching a podium finish.
The semifinal between Team USA and Serbia will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the scintillating basketball that captivated fans and players alike. As Damian Lillard aptly put it, the game was a showcase of "the beauty of international basketball," where grit, skill, and heart converge on the grand stage of the Olympics.