In a thrilling semifinal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the USA men’s basketball team pulled off a dramatic 95-91 victory over a resilient Serbian squad, securing their spot in the final against host nation France. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Serbia leading for almost the entire match before the USA staged a stunning comeback in the final minutes, much to the delight of their fans and the dismay of the Serbian team.
The game began with Serbia taking control early on, much to the surprise of many. The Serbian team, spearheaded by the brilliant trio of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jokic, and Aleksa Avramovic, came out firing on all cylinders. The first quarter was marked by a flurry of three-pointers, with both teams showcasing their shooting prowess. Despite a scorching 17-point effort from Steph Curry, who seemed unstoppable from beyond the arc, Serbia managed to maintain an eight-point lead, finishing the quarter ahead 31-23. It was clear from the outset that Serbia had come to play and was determined to prove that their earlier defeat at the hands of the USA in the group stage was a fluke.
As the second quarter unfolded, Serbia continued to extend their lead, much to the frustration of the American team. Bogdanovic was in sensational form, scoring from all areas of the court, while Jokic orchestrated the Serbian offense with precision, adding 11 assists to his 17 points. The Serbian defense was equally impressive, frustrating the USA’s attempts to close the gap. LeBron James, usually a calm and composed leader, was visibly agitated, frequently arguing with the referees and showing signs of frustration. Joel Embiid, on the other hand, struggled to find his rhythm, likely affected by the hostile French crowd that booed him every time he touched the ball. By halftime, Serbia held a commanding 54-43 lead, and it appeared that an upset was on the cards.
The third quarter saw the USA begin to slowly chip away at Serbia’s lead, though the Europeans remained in control. Serbia’s offense continued to click, with Bogdanovic hitting crucial shots and Jokic maintaining his role as the primary playmaker. Despite their best efforts, however, the USA began to show signs of life. Steph Curry, who had been the lone bright spot for the Americans in the first half, continued to lead the charge, hitting several key three-pointers to keep his team within striking distance. Kevin Durant, who had been relatively quiet up until that point, also started to find his range, contributing vital points as the quarter progressed. Nevertheless, Serbia maintained a 76-63 lead heading into the final period, and the dream of reaching the final was still very much alive for them.
The fourth quarter, however, was where the tide finally turned in favor of the USA. Serbia’s Marko Guduric provided one of the game’s standout moments early in the period, hitting an incredible and-one three-pointer that seemed to reinvigorate his team and deflate the Americans. But instead of wilting under the pressure, the basketball powerhouse responded with a renewed sense of urgency. Steph Curry, who was already having a career-defining game, took his performance to another level, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot to bring his team back into contention. As the clock ticked down, the American defense tightened, forcing Serbia into several difficult shots and costly turnovers.
With just two minutes remaining, Curry hit a long-distance three-pointer that gave the USA their first lead since the opening minutes of the game, putting them ahead 87-86. This was the moment that broke Serbia’s resolve. The USA, now with momentum firmly on their side, continued to press their advantage. Joel Embiid, who had struggled for much of the game, finally found his groove in the paint, scoring critical baskets and drawing fouls to extend the lead. LeBron James also played a crucial role, using his experience and physicality to control the tempo and make smart plays down the stretch.
In the end, the USA held on for a 95-91 victory, a result that seemed improbable just minutes earlier. Steph Curry was the undisputed star of the game, finishing with an astounding 36 points, including several late-game heroics that will be remembered for years to come. Joel Embiid added 19 points, while LeBron James contributed 16, both playing key roles in the USA’s comeback.
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With this victory, the dream team moves on to face France in the gold medal game, a matchup that promises to be just as thrilling. Meanwhile, Serbia, though undoubtedly disappointed, will regroup and prepare to take on Germany in the bronze medal match. The Serbian team has earned tremendous respect for their performance throughout the tournament and will be eager to end their campaign on a high note.
As the USA looks ahead to the final, they carry with them the momentum and confidence from this remarkable comeback. With players like Steph Curry leading the way, the Dream Team has once again shown why they are considered the best in the world. Fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching as the USA takes on France, with the promise of more unforgettable moments and the chance for the Dream Team to add another gold medal to their illustrious history.
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