Epic Comeback: Team USA Overcomes Serbia’s Mighty Challenge
In a thrilling encounter on Thursday, Team USA pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Serbia 95-91, securing their place in the men’s basketball gold medal game at the Olympics. The victory came after a tense battle where the Americans were pushed to their limits by a determined Serbian side.
Serbia’s Strong Start: Jokić Leads the Charge
Led by the indomitable three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, Serbia surged to a commanding 17-point lead during the second quarter. Their early dominance was characterized by a barrage of three-pointers and an exceptional 65% shooting accuracy, which left the US team struggling to find their rhythm. Serbia’s swarming defense kept the American superstars on the perimeter, forcing them into tough, contested shots.
Star Power on Display: James and Curry Shine Bright
As the defending Olympic champions faced the possibility of a historic upset, two of basketball’s biggest names, LeBron James and Steph Curry, rose to the occasion. Curry’s hot hand in the first quarter saw him score 17 points in just eight minutes, giving the US a brief lead. However, it was in the final quarter where both James and Curry delivered in clutch moments, guiding their team back from the brink.
Team USA’s Depth Tested: A Battle of Wills
Despite the immense talent on Team USA’s roster, which includes four NBA MVP winners and 11 All-Stars, the team has occasionally shown a lack of cohesion. This was evident as they struggled to generate clean looks against Serbia’s relentless defense. The American players, known for their individual brilliance, were forced to adapt and find ways to work together against a well-oiled Serbian machine.
Serbia’s Relentless Fight: Holding on to the Lead
Even as Team USA chipped away at the lead, Serbia remained resilient. A spectacular and-one three-pointer from Marko Gudurić in the third quarter highlighted the Serbian team’s fighting spirit. Heading into the final quarter with a 13-point advantage, Serbia seemed poised to pull off a monumental victory.
The Comeback Begins: USA’s Superstars Take Control
With just over four minutes remaining, Team USA’s “Avengers” began their surge. Joel Embiid, who faced boos from the Paris crowd for choosing to represent the US over France, made it a one-possession game. LeBron James then tied the score with a vintage driving layup, igniting the American offense. A clutch three-pointer from Curry soon after gave the US its first lead since the opening minutes.
A Nail-Biting Finish: Durant Seals the Win
As the game entered its final moments, Kevin Durant, now Team USA’s all-time leading Olympic scorer, delivered a crucial midrange jumper with 34 seconds left, sealing the victory for the Americans. James finished with a historic triple-double, posting 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Curry led all scorers with 36 points, while Embiid contributed 19 in a game that will be remembered for its intensity and drama.
Looking Ahead: Team USA Faces France for Gold
While Serbia now turns its focus to a bronze medal match against Germany, Team USA prepares to face host nation France in the gold medal game on Saturday. This close call against Serbia has shown that even a team full of superstars is not invincible. For France, playing on home soil, this might be the inspiration they need to believe they can dethrone the reigning champions.(PHWIN)