In a stunning display of resilience and star power, the United States men’s basketball team overcame a massive 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Led by the heroics of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Team USA etched their names in the history books with an epic comeback that will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Olympic basketball history.
The Deficit and the Comeback
For much of the game, it appeared that Serbia would pull off the unthinkable upset. Led by the dominant play of Nikola Jokić and Bogdan Bogdanović, Serbia built a commanding 17-point lead in the first half and maintained a double-digit advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The U.S. squad, which featured a star-studded lineup including James, Curry, Kevin Durant, and Joel Embiid, struggled to find their rhythm and seemed on the verge of a shocking elimination.
However, in the final period, Team USA flipped the script. A crucial sequence saw the U.S. score six points in just two seconds, cutting Serbia’s lead to 78-73 and igniting the comeback. Durant hit a crucial three-pointer while Anthony Davis was fouled, allowing the U.S. to retain possession. Devin Booker then drained another three-pointer to trim the deficit further.
With momentum on their side, the U.S. continued to chip away at Serbia’s lead. Curry, who finished with a game-high 36 points, hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 2:16 remaining to give the Americans their first lead since the opening minutes. James, who recorded a triple-double, made several key plays down the stretch to seal the victory.
LeBron James Makes History
LeBron James’s performance in the semifinal matchup was nothing short of historic. The 39-year-old superstar, who is making his fourth Olympic appearance, became the first player in men’s basketball history to record a triple-double in the Olympics. James finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership on the biggest stage.
James’s achievement is even more remarkable considering the adversity he faced leading up to the game. In the quarterfinals against Brazil, James suffered a cut above his eye that required four stitches. Despite the injury, he returned to the bench to support his teammates and provided crucial guidance during the comeback against Serbia.
“LeBron is the heart and soul of this team,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “He’s been through it all, and he knows what it takes to win at this level. His leadership and experience were invaluable tonight.”
Stephen Curry’s Heroics
While LeBron James made history with his triple-double, it was Stephen Curry who ignited the comeback with his sharpshooting. The Golden State Warriors superstar scored 36 points, including several clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter that turned the tide in favor of the U.S.
Curry’s performance was a testament to his resilience and competitive spirit. Despite facing a daunting deficit, he never lost faith in his team’s ability to mount a comeback. His go-ahead three-pointer in the final minutes gave the U.S. the lead for good and sent the crowd at Bercy Arena into a frenzy.
“Steph was unbelievable tonight,” James said of his teammate. “He’s the best shooter in the world for a reason. When he gets hot, there’s nothing you can do to stop him.”
The Road to the Gold Medal Game
With the thrilling victory over Serbia, Team USA advances to the gold medal game, where they will face host nation France on Saturday. The matchup promises to be a classic, pitting the U.S.’s star-studded lineup against a French team led by NBA sensation Victor Wembanyama and veteran Rudy Gobert.
The U.S. will be seeking its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal and 16th overall. A victory would cement their status as the greatest basketball nation in the world and solidify the legacies of players like James and Durant, who are seeking their third gold medals.
For France, the opportunity to win gold on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The country has never won an Olympic basketball gold medal, with their best finish being silver in 2000 and 2020. The French team will be buoyed by the raucous support of their home fans and the desire to make history.
The Impact on the Basketball World
The U.S. men’s basketball team’s comeback victory over Serbia has sent shockwaves through the basketball world. The win showcased the depth of talent and resilience within the U.S. program and demonstrated that no lead is safe against a team of this caliber.
For LeBron James, the achievement is yet another feather in his cap as one of the greatest players of all time. His ability to lead his team to victory in the face of adversity and make history in the process is a testament to his greatness.
Stephen Curry’s performance, meanwhile, has solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in the game. His ability to take over a game with his shooting touch and clutch performances has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing teams.
As the basketball world turns its attention to the gold medal game, the anticipation is palpable. Will the U.S. continue their Olympic dominance and claim another gold medal, or will France seize the opportunity to make history on home soil? One thing is certain: the stage is set for an epic showdown that will be remembered for years to come.