PHOENIX – Team USA overcame a slow start in the first 30 minutes of play to defeat Serbia for the third time in the last month, the second of two games that turned out to be classics.

US coach Steve Kerr could have started with a different lineup, but again chose Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James and Joel Embiid – the start of this group was not exactly inspiring.

Although Curry had an explosive first quarter, scoring 17 of the US’s 23 points in the quarter, the defense was uncoordinated and allowed 31 points to Serbia.

Kerr began the second quarter with a frontcourt rotation of Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo – which was widely seen as the best chance to keep Nikola Jokic in check.

That lineup did little to allay concerns, as Serbia extended the lead to 42-25 with 6:30 left in the quarter before Embiid and Booker led a U.S. surge that was not capitalized on. Serbia remained prepared to keep the offense going by catching and opportunistic passing.

A crucial three-point play by James in the final moments of the first half gave the U.S. team momentum for the third quarter, even though they remained behind by 11 points.

The U.S. team kept coming back into the game, but a four-point play by Serbia late in the third period led to Serbia extending its lead to 76-63.

With three-pointers from Booker and Durant, Serbia’s lead was reduced to 78-73 with 7:19 minutes left in the game.

A layup by James tied the game at 84-84 after the team had previously allowed Serbia numerous second chances.

A pull-up jumper from Durant gave the USA a 4-point lead with 33 seconds left – and that was just enough for a 95-91 victory.

Now on Saturday, the USA and France will play for the gold medal. This match is sure to draw a lot of attention as the home team faces off against a strong US team for the top honor.