PHOENIX — The United States team will play the Nikola Jokic-led Serbian national team this afternoon for a spot in the gold medal game, which would have major implications for two of the Phoenix Suns’ stars: Kevin Durant could win a fourth gold medal, Devin Booker could win a second.

Serbia, however, stands in the way. While the United States beat Serbia by 26 points in both of the national teams’ meetings over the past three weeks, the third game is almost always the most difficult to win.

Serbia will certainly field multiple MVP and star of the Denver Nuggets, Jokic, as well as Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks at the start of the game, while also throwing in Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat.

If Serbia gets going quickly, it could end up feeling like a game where Jokic can impose his will, but that’s really only the case if the U.S. doesn’t play along.

To eliminate any doubts at the start of the game, US coach Steve Kerr could make a possible adjustment to the pairing. For example, he could opt for a lineup with two big players like Bam Adebeyo and Anthony Davis – two interchangeable, athletic players who could throw Jokic into chaos from the first moment.

The other key? Consistent passing from Stephen Curry and Booker on the perimeter.

Booker has really found his rhythm in Paris, having made 10 of 16 three-pointers in four meetings so far – and he has been the catalyst behind three of the four explosive offensive performances.

Curry has yet to find his comfort zone in his first Olympics, but even a few early three-pointers from him could prove demoralizing for a Serbian team that has to rely on a handful of players.

This game should play out much like the previous ones: the opposing team will be under pressure for a few minutes in the first half before Team USA takes over and imposes its will in the final 25 minutes.

The game is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM MST. It will be broadcast on NBC and the USA knows in advance the possible duel for the gold medal.