After a poor first-half performance, the U.S. team pulled off a nerve-wracking 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics. After trailing by 13 points in the final quarter, the trio of Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant restored order and scored the team’s final 13 points in the closing stages.
The Golden State Warriors guard was nothing short of spectacular against Serbia. Curry hit 12 of 19 shots from the field and 9 of 14 three-pointers for a game-high 36 points. He also had eight rebounds and two assists in the win.
According to Evan Abrams of Action Network, Stephen Curry’s 36-point performance is the best performance by any U.S. basketball player (men or women) in an Olympic knockout game. He has deservedly received praise from his peers due to his outstanding performance.
Stephen Curry needed this performance as he had not scored more than 11 points in his last appearances before the Serbia game.
The US team is just one win away from securing another Olympic gold medal
Team USA will be looking to break France’s hearts again, taking on the French for the second consecutive Olympic gold medal. Three years ago, the Americans beat Les Bleus 87-82 in Tokyo.
Steve Kerr and Co. are considered favorites to win their fifth Olympic gold medal in a row, especially since LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant found their rhythm again in the semifinals against Serbia.
Joel Embiid had his best game of the tournament for Team USA, scoring 19 points, while LeBron James had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and Kevin Durant added nine points, including the dagger pull-up jumper with 34 seconds left.
