Stephen Curry leads Team USA to Gold Medal game with epic comeback against Serbia

Stephen Curry and LeBron James delivered a sensational performance to rescue Team USA from a 17-point deficit and secure a 95-91 victory over Serbia in their semifinal matchup at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Curry, the Golden State Warriors star, scored a career-high 36 points, including a record-breaking nine 3-pointers—the most by any player in a single Olympic game.

His explosive start was key, as he scored 14 of the first 15 points for the United States and had 17 points by the end of the first quarter. Despite Curry’s efforts, the rest of Team USA struggled, shooting just 1-of-8 from the field in the opening minutes.

Serbia capitalized on the American slump, taking an 11-point lead at halftime and maintaining their advantage well into the fourth quarter. However, Joel Embiid ignited a crucial run with seven quick points, and a blocked shot by Embiid set up a drive from LeBron James that tied the game.

Curry then hit a pivotal 3-pointer, his ninth of the night, and with James contributing a layup, the United States pulled ahead by seven—its largest lead of the game. This surge proved decisive, and Team USA held on for the four-point win.

Embiid finished with 19 points and four rebounds, while James recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. They, alongside Curry, were the only three Team USA players to score in double figures.

Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic led his team with 20 points, followed by Nikola Jokić with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Aleksa Avramovic with 15 points. Serbia will now face Germany in the bronze medal game.

In the other semifinal, France edged past Germany 73-69, securing their spot in the gold medal game. Guerschon Yabusele led France with 17 points, while San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama added 11 points and seven rebounds. France will aim for gold after being defeated by Team USA in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Team USA will now compete for their fifth consecutive gold medal on Saturday, August 10, 2024.