On Thursday night, in the semi-final round of the Paris Olympics, the United States men’s basketball team came dangerously close to losing to Serbia.

With NBA All-Stars like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and a slew of others at the helm, the U.S. was anticipated to cruise to yet another Olympic gold, even if the rest of the globe has been closing the gap in recent years.Nikola Jokić, the three-time NBA MVP and arguably the best player in the world, guided his team to a near-loss. It required a tremendous comeback by the United States in the fourth quarter to overcome a Serbian lead of 76-63 at the beginning of the period.

Just over seven minutes remained in the game when the United States scored six baskets in a span of two seconds, putting Serbia up 78-67. Because the United States kept possession after Anthony Davis was fouled, Kevin Durant made a three-pointer, and Devin Booker added another three-pointer to make the score 78-73. It seemed like the change in momentum unsettled Serbia and energized the Americans; two threes by Curry sealed the deal for the United States.

During the interview, Curry mentioned that he had watched numerous episodes of Team USA basketball. “And that was truly exceptional.”In the United States’ 95-91 triumph, Curry and James stood out. Curry scored 36 points and James recorded a triple-double. The Serbs held a 35-12 lead, or approximately 90% of the game.

According to Durant, Curry gave a “godlike performance.”.

Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 20 points to lead Serbia, with Jokić contributing 17 points and 11 assists. With 19 points, Joel Embiid continued his scorching form in a competition where he had been booed mercilessly for going with the United States rather than the hosts, France.

The United States had won gold in eight of the previous ten Olympics before the 2004 Games, when they took bronze. This streak ended in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Paris.

In his gushing appreciation of Serbia, USA coach Steve Kerr was effusive.

“I feel incredibly honored to have played a role in this game,” Kerr expressed. Among the best basketball games I’ve ever watched, hands down. Those were ideal. Their game was flawless, and they pushed us to our limits by forcing us to compete at the highest level we could find. Plus, our team performed outstandingly in the fourth quarter and achieved victory.

After France’s 73-69 semi-final victory against Germany in front of a boisterous home crowd, the United States will face France in the final. Victor Wembanyama, the NBA Rookie of the Year, was bleeding profusely by game’s end from a cut to the neck.

In his postgame remarks, Wembanyama mentioned that the national anthem touches upon the topic of blood. We’re prepared to sacrifice ourselves on the court. So, it’s not a major issue. What I’m offering is that we win gold if that happens. Have it all.