LeBron James and Steph Curry share an intense moment of celebration after a crucial play in Team USA's dramatic semifinal comeback victory against Serbia at the Paris 2024 Olympics. © Twitter (@MailOnline)
In a breathtaking semifinal clash at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team USA demonstrated why they are the reigning champions, pulling off a dramatic 17-point comeback to defeat Serbia 95-91. The victory sets up a highly anticipated gold-medal rematch against France as the U.S. men’s basketball team continues its quest for a 5 consecutive Olympic title.
Steph Curry was the star of the night, delivering a vintage performance with a game-high 36 points, including a stunning nine 3-pointers. His scoring prowess powered Team USA’s comeback and set a new U.S. Olympic record for the most points in a single game since Carmelo Anthony’s 37-point outing at the London 2012 Games.
Curry, who has struggled with his shooting throughout the tournament, found his rhythm when it mattered most. “You live for those moments,” Curry said post-game. “It doesn’t matter if you shoot three times or however many I shot tonight. You stay confident.”
LeBron James, the 39-year-old NBA legend, further solidified his legacy by recording his second Olympic triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. James became the first player in Olympic history to achieve this feat twice, a testament to his enduring greatness. LeBron James reflected on the victory, “I’m 39 years old going into my 22nd season. I don’t know how many opportunities or moments I will get like this.”
Joel Embiid, recovering from an ankle injury, played a crucial role in Team USA’s victory. He scored a tournament-best 19 points, including seven in the final quarter. His presence in the paint and ability to score under pressure helped seal the win for the Americans, who had their backs against the wall for much of the game.
Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and Bogdan Bogdanović, looked poised to upset the Americans, building a 17-point lead in the second quarter. Jokić’s 17 points and 11 assists, along with Bogdanović’s 20 points, kept Serbia ahead for most of the game. However, the Serbians could not withstand the late surge from Team USA, who closed out the game with clutch defensive stops and timely shooting.
U.S. head coach Steve Kerr, who has coached Curry to four NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors, praised his team’s resilience and composure under pressure. “I’ve seen Steph do this repeatedly,” Kerr said. “It didn’t surprise me that it came on the night we desperately needed it. That’s who Steph is; he’s the ultimate competitor.”
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With the victory, Team USA advances to the gold-medal match against France, a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 final. The game will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 1:30 p.m. E.T. France, fresh off a narrow 73-69 win over Germany, will be eager to avenge their previous defeat and claim Olympic gold on home soil.