The U.S. men’s basketball team, which had dominated its first four games at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finally faced its first true test in the semifinals against a formidable Serbian squad. In a game that will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in Olympic basketball history, Team USA rallied from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter to secure a 95-91 victory, booking their place in the final and keeping their dreams of a fifth consecutive gold medal alive.
Coming into the game, the Americans had hardly broken a sweat, leaving many to wonder if any team could truly challenge them. Serbia, however, proved to be more than up to the task, taking control of the game early with a hot hand from beyond the arc. Led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, who finished with a team-high 20 points, Serbia surged ahead and seemed poised to pull off a major upset, holding a 76-61 lead midway through the third quarter.
But with their backs against the wall, the U.S. team responded like champions. The final period saw a relentless surge from Team USA, outscoring Serbia 32-15, including a decisive 21-8 run to open the quarter. The comeback was sparked by none other than Steph Curry, who delivered a performance for the ages. Curry, already a legend in the NBA, turned back the clock and added the one accolade missing from his illustrious career — an Olympic moment of brilliance. He scored 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 9-of-14 from three-point range, with each shot more critical than the last. His ninth three-pointer gave the U.S. its first lead since the early moments of the first quarter, a lead they would not relinquish.
While Curry was the engine, it was LeBron James who provided the spark to get the U.S. rolling in the fourth. James, playing in what is likely his final Olympics, became the first player in Olympic history to record multiple triple-doubles, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His coast-to-coast layup tied the game at 89-89, electrifying the crowd and setting the stage for Curry’s go-ahead shot. James’ leadership and poise in the clutch were instrumental as the U.S. completed their comeback.
Joel Embiid, who had been relatively quiet through the tournament, also stepped up when it mattered most. The big man contributed 19 points and was crucial in the final moments, scoring key buckets that helped seal the victory. Embiid’s resurgence provided the U.S. with the inside presence they needed to complement Curry’s outside shooting.
Serbia, which had been so dominant early on, struggled to maintain their momentum as the U.S. defense tightened. Bogdanovic and his teammates cooled off from three, allowing the Americans to claw their way back into the game. Despite the loss, Serbia’s performance was nothing short of impressive, and they will now turn their attention to the bronze medal game.
The dramatic victory sets up a much-anticipated final against France, who outlasted Germany in an emotional semifinal. With Team USA now battle-tested, the stage is set for an epic showdown in Bercy Arena, where the Americans will look to add another chapter to their storied Olympic legacy.
As the U.S. team prepares for the final, they do so with the confidence of a squad that has been pushed to the brink and emerged stronger. The resilience and heart they showed against Serbia will be essential as they face a passionate French team, backed by a home crowd, in what promises to be an electric atmosphere on Saturday.
