Unforgettable Olympic Basketball Showdown
It’s hard to believe that one of the greatest basketball games since the peach basket era took place on a Thursday afternoon in Paris. But that’s precisely what happened, as the star-studded US national team faced off against a formidable Serbian squad in a nail-biting Olympic semifinal.
Overcoming Early Deficit
The United States found themselves in an unfamiliar position, trailing by 17 points in the first half. They were outscored in each of the first three quarters, falling behind by as much as 15 points with just 32 seconds left in the third quarter. It was a precarious situation that had many observers questioning whether the seemingly unbeatable American team could pull off the comeback.
Masterful Performance by Serbia
The Serbian team, led by the legendary Nikola Jokić, played what head coach Steve Kerr described as a “perfect” game. They shot an astounding 15-for-39 from beyond the arc, draining shot after shot with remarkable efficiency.
Iconic Fourth-Quarter Comeback
But the US squad refused to be counted out. Led by the heroics of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, they mounted an incredible 32-15 surge in the fourth quarter to overcome the deficit and emerge victorious, 95-91.
Superstar Performances
James recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Curry erupted for 36 points, including 9-for-14 shooting from long distance. Durant contributed a clutch 9 points in the final quarter, showcasing his defensive prowess when it mattered most.
Thrilling Conclusion
The game-turning sequence came with 7:19 left, as the US team cut the deficit to just 6 points with a 6-0 run. From there, the comeback was agonizing but relentless, culminating in a tied score at 84-84 with 3:43 remaining. The US team then took the lead and held on for the thrilling 95-91 victory, securing their spot in the gold medal game.
An Instant Classic
This Olympic semifinal will undoubtedly go down as an instant classic, a testament to the incredible talent and competitive spirit of both teams. Basketball fans around the world were treated to a display of the sport at its highest level, a must-see event that will be remembered for years to come.