Team USA Rallies Late, Escapes Serbia To Avoid Historic Olympics Upset

Well, that sure wasn’t easy. Instead, it was Team USA getting down by 17 points and making just about everyone in America a nervous wreck.

But thanks to 36 points from Stephen Curry and some clutch play from Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and LeBron James, the Americans rallied and held on for dear life in a 95-91 victory in the Olympics semifinals.

The USA now advances to face Victor Wembanyama and host country France in the gold medal game.

Serbia responded well to two earlier blowouts against the USA — one in exhibition play and another in the Olympics opener. But Nikola Jokic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Serbs came out with way more energy and focus in this one, shooting 54% from the field in the first half on their way to an 11-point lead in the intermission.

They led the U.S. by 13 entering the fourth quarter.

But that’s when the Americans came to life, using defense to create opportunities at the other end. Embiid, James and Durant were particularly huge in the final 12 minutes, knocking down shots and making everything difficult for the opponent.

James finished with an underrated 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, adding the nickname “Captain America” to his popular “King James” moniker.

Curry finished with nine 3-pointers. “His triple with 2:24 left put Team USA up 87-86,” wrote Brad Botkin of CBS Sports. “It was the Americans’ first lead since 2-0, and it was an advantage they did not relinquish. Embiid hit some crucial fourth-quarter buckets and finished with 19 points.”

Team USA will be aiming for its fifth straight gold in Saturday’s game vs. France. Serbia will face Germany in the bronze-medal game.