It wasn’t pretty, at least not for three quarters. But it was just enough to move on and set up Team USA for a chance at another gold medal.
Steph Curry led the team with 36 points off nine three-pointers, as the U.S. mounted a huge fourth-quarter comeback against Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics, winning 95-91.
Down as much as 15 late in the third quarter, the situation appeared fairly dire for Team USA, with Serbia having all the momentum and controlling much of the game. The U.S. wasn’t able to get within 10 points until just over seven minutes left in the game,
Lebron James hit clutch shots in the final minutes, ending up a triple-double, with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Kevin Durant had just nine points for the game, but seven of those were in the final quarter. Joel Embiid added a big 19 as well.
Serbia started off with a hot first quarter where it led by double digits, and the momentum continued in the second, leading to a 54-43 lead. It had its largest lead of the game at 76-61 with just seconds to go in the third quarter. A short-range shot from Durant cut that lead to 13 just before the buzzer, but it appeared Serbia had been in control.
The U.S. previously beat Serbia 105-79 in an exhibition July 17 and again 110-84 July 28 in the first game of Paris pool play.
Team USA will face host country France in the gold medal matchup. The underdog French, led by Victor Wembanyama, beat Germany 73-69 in the first semifinal game Thursday.
The U.S. is looking to capture their fifth consecutive gold medal in men’s basketball.
0 Comments