Team USA mounted an extraordinary comeback on Thursday, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 and advance to the men’s basketball gold medal game at the Paris Olympics.
Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, dominated early, building a 17-point lead in the second quarter. However, Team USA's dynamic offense, powered by basketball legends LeBron James and Steph Curry, surged back in the second half, narrowly avoiding a major upset.
Curry, who led all scorers with 36 points, and James, who posted only the fourth triple-double in Olympic history, were instrumental in turning the tide. James's performance included 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Curry's clutch three-pointer late in the game gave Team USA its first lead since the opening minutes.
Despite Serbia’s strong shooting and stifling defense, which held the Americans at bay for much of the game, Team USA’s relentless pressure in the fourth quarter proved decisive. Joel Embiid, who has faced jeers from the Paris crowd for choosing to represent the US over France, also played a key role in the comeback, scoring 19 points.
As the game reached its climax, Kevin Durant, now Team USA’s all-time leading Olympic scorer, sealed the victory with a critical midrange shot in the final moments. Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanović, who led his team with 20 points, fought valiantly but couldn’t prevent the loss.
The win sends Team USA to the gold medal game on Saturday, where they will face host nation France. For Serbia, the defeat means a battle for the bronze medal against Germany.
The American team, composed of some of the NBA's brightest stars, including four MVP winners and 11 All-Stars, has shown flashes of vulnerability throughout the tournament, but their resilience and talent have carried them to the final. France, bolstered by home-court advantage, will be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses in their pursuit of Olympic glory.
