In the semifinals of the Paris Olympics, the USA men’s basketball team faced a difficult challenge from Serbia. Despite leading comfortably in their previous games, the USA trailed for most of this match. Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, built a lead as large as 17 points and held a 13-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
In earlier matches, Serbia played really well compared to the USA, shooting well from 3-point range and relying heavily on Jokic, who played almost the whole game. But in the final quarter, Team USA came again.
Stephen Curry led the charge, scoring 36 points, including crucial baskets in the final minutes. LeBron James also played a significant role, contributing a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists. The USA’s defense stepped up in the final quarter, holding Serbia to just 15 points and preventing them from making any 3-pointers.
The USA ultimately defeated Serbia 95-91 after trailing most of the contest. In the fourth quarter, they outscored Serbia 32-15. With 2:24 left, Curry made a 3-pointer to give the United States a decisive advantage. They held on to proceed to the gold medal game against France.
Since settling for bronze in 2004, the U.S. has won gold in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Tokyo 2020 was delayed one year due to the pandemic. However, both teams gave really strong performances in matches. The USA team is now set to play for the gold medal.
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