Team USA secured a thrilling 95-91 victory over Serbia in the Paris Olympics semifinals, despite struggling in the first half. Down by 13 points entering the final quarter, the trio of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant led a remarkable comeback, scoring the team’s final 13 points to clinch the win.
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors star, delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring a game-high 36 points. He shot 12-of-19 from the field, including an impressive 9-of-14 from three-point range. Curry also contributed eight rebounds and two assists, showcasing his all-around game. This stellar performance was crucial for Curry, especially considering that he hadn’t scored more than 11 points in his previous games leading up to this semifinal matchup.
Curry’s 36-point effort set a new record for the most points scored by any Team USA basketball player, male or female, in an Olympic knockout game, according to Evan Abrams of Action Network. This achievement drew widespread praise from his peers and the basketball community, as Curry’s performance played a pivotal role in keeping Team USA’s hopes for another gold medal alive.
As Team USA looks ahead to the Olympic gold medal match, they aim to repeat their success against France, a team they defeated in the final three years ago in Tokyo by a score of 87-82. This upcoming showdown marks the second consecutive Olympic gold medal match between the two nations. Team USA, led by head coach Steve Kerr, is favored to win their fifth straight Olympic gold medal, thanks to the resurgence of key players like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Kevin Durant.
In the semifinal against Serbia, Joel Embiid had his best performance of the tournament, contributing 19 points. LeBron James recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Kevin Durant added nine points, including a crucial pull-up jumper with just 34 seconds left in the game. The contributions of these star players were vital in securing the victory and setting the stage for the gold medal clash.
The win against Serbia not only highlighted Curry’s individual brilliance but also demonstrated the resilience and depth of Team USA’s roster. Despite facing adversity and a tough Serbian team, the Americans remained composed and executed in crunch time, a testament to their experience and determination. With the gold medal within reach, Team USA is focused on maintaining their dominance on the Olympic stage and adding another chapter to their storied basketball legacy.
As the final approaches, the anticipation is building for what promises to be an intense and competitive matchup between two of the world’s top basketball teams. Team USA’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent has put them in a strong position to capture yet another Olympic gold, but they know that France will be a formidable opponent. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the basketball tournament, with history on the line for both teams.
