Team USA men’s basketball took on Serbia on Thursday in the semifinal round of the 2024 Summer Olympics, and at one point, it looked like it was going to kiss the gold medal goodbye.
It fell behind 31-23 at the end of the first quarter and 54-43 at halftime, and it was still behind by 13 when the fourth quarter started. It was now almost panic time for the United States.
But it responded with a furious run and escaped with a 95-91 win to advance to the gold medal round.
While Stephen Curry scored 36 points, an argument could be made that LeBron James was its best all-around player. He had a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to key Team USA’s attack.
Instant Classic.
🇺🇸 #USABMNT #Paris2024 #Basketball
pic.twitter.com/JHv25gbezG— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 8, 2024
James had the assist to Curry for the 3-pointer that put the United States ahead with 2:24 left in the fourth quarter. Moments later, he grabbed a defensive rebound and went coast-to-coast on the fast break for a layup.
There was no doubt he wanted to avoid a repeat of the 2004 Olympics when he and Team USA lost to Argentina in the semifinal round and only won a bronze medal.
Team USA will now play Victor Webmanyama and France on Saturday for the gold medal.