Team USA Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Serbia in Olympic Semifinals

In a thrilling semifinal match at the Paris Olympics, Team USA overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91, securing a spot in the gold medal game. The Serbian team, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, initially dominated the game, showcasing a strong offensive performance that saw them shoot 65% from the field in the first quarter. Despite a stellar start from Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who scored 17 points in the opening minutes, the Americans struggled to maintain their momentum against Serbia's sharpshooters. As the game progressed, Team USA's lack of cohesion became evident, particularly in generating clean looks. However, the squad, often referred to as the "Avengers," rallied in the final minutes. A crucial bucket from Joel Embiid narrowed the gap to a single possession, and LeBron James tied the game with a driving layup. Curry's clutch three-pointer with just over two minutes left gave the U.S. its first lead since early in the match, ultimately sealing the victory. Curry finished the game with an impressive 36 points, marking one of the highest scoring performances in U.S. Olympic history. James contributed significantly with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Embiid added 19 points. Serbia's Bogdanović led his team with 20 points, but the loss means they will compete for bronze against Germany. The victory not only assures Team USA of its 20th medal in Olympic history but also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of international basketball, as they prepare for the gold medal match on Saturday night.