by The USA vs. Serbia basketball semifinal at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been hailed as one of the greatest basketball games ever played across social media. And as a fan, I can attest to it being one of the most entertaining games that I’ve watched. The matchup between USA and Serbia took place at the Bercy Arena and featured a dramatic comeback by Team USA in this team’s biggest test to date, led by standout performances from NBA stars such as Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and LeBron James.
Game Overview
- First Half Dominance by Serbia: Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, dominated the first half, leading by as many as 17 points. Their effective three-point shooting and Jokic’s playmaking were key factors in building a significant lead.
- Team USA’s Struggles: The American team, despite being star-studded, faced challenges as Serbia maintained a double-digit lead for most of the game. Team USA struggled with their shooting and defense, allowing Serbia to control the tempo and score effectively from beyond the arc.
The Comeback
- Fourth Quarter Turnaround: The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Team USA mounted a significant comeback with Embiid helping spark the comeback, asserting his dominance on both ends to close that game. They outscored Serbia 32-15 in the final period, with Stephen Curry hitting crucial three-pointers, including a go-ahead shot that rattled around the rim, creating the ultimate suspense. This occurred with just over two minutes left in the game. And from there came an easy Lebron James layup to push the lead and a vintage Kevin Durant midrange dagger from just inside the three-point line along with some clutch free throws from Stephen Curry.
- Key Performances: Stephen Curry delivered a standout performance, scoring 36 points, coming out the start of the game blistering hot and staying that way through the entirety of the game, which was pivotal in securing the victory. Joel Embiid and LeBron James also contributed significantly, with Embiid scoring 19 points, James adding 16pts, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
- Veteran Leadership: Coach Steve Kerr relied heavily on his veteran players in the final quarter, finally opting for a lineup that included Curry, Booker, Durant, and James and Embiid. It almost seems as if he was trying to avoid the Steph, Durant and Lebron combination at times, but this strategic move paid off as these players executed crucial plays that turned the game in favor of Team USA.
- Defensive Adjustments: The U.S. team tightened their defense in the final minutes, forcing key misses from Serbia and converting those opportunities into points. This defensive effort was instrumental in overcoming the deficit and securing the win.
The USA’s 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. This game not only secured their place in the gold medal match against France but also added a memorable chapter to Olympic basketball history. The thrilling nature of the game, combined with the high stakes and exceptional performances, has led many to consider it one of the greatest games ever played.
