Team USA Stages Thrilling Comeback To Reach Olympic Basketball Final Vs Serbia

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The United States staged a remarkable comeback to secure a spot in the basketball gold medal match at the Paris Olympics, defeating Serbia 95-91. Stephen Curry was instrumental, scoring 36 points. Team USA, aiming for their fifth consecutive Olympic gold, trailed by 13 points entering the fourth quarter.

NBA MVP Nikola Jokic contributed 17 points and 11 assists for Serbia, who had led by as many as 17 points in the first half. Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 20 points and Aleksa Avramovic added 15 for Serbia. Despite their efforts, Serbia couldn't hold on and avenge their earlier group stage loss to the USA.

Golden State Warriors star Curry carried much of the offensive load for the USA throughout the game. However, it was LeBron James' driving layup that tied the game at 84-84 with under four minutes left. The USA's defense struggled for much of the game but intensified their pressure late in the fourth quarter.

A missed three-pointer from Ognjen Dobric with Serbia leading 86-84 proved crucial. Curry then put the USA ahead with a three-point jumper assisted by James with two minutes and 24 seconds remaining. Subsequent layups from both players extended their lead as Serbia began to falter.

Serbia twice closed within two points in the final minute, but two free throws from Curry sealed the victory for Team USA with eight seconds left on the clock. LeBron James finished with a triple-double, adding 12 rebounds and 10 assists to his 16 points. Joel Embiid also contributed significantly with 19 points.

The USA will face hosts France in Saturday's gold medal match. France is led by NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Serbia will compete against Germany for the bronze medal.

Curry's performance was pivotal throughout, but it was James' late-game heroics that ensured victory. The team's defensive adjustments in the final quarter were crucial in overcoming Serbia's lead.

This thrilling win sets up an exciting final against France, promising another intense matchup as Team USA aims to continue their Olympic dominance.