The second semi-final game of the day was equally engaging, as Serbia pushed Team USA to their absolute limit before a magical fourth quarter run helped them escape with a 95-91 win. Team USA trailed by as much as 16 in the first half and 11 at the break, struggling to find consistent offense outside of a scorching-hot Stephen Curry who kept them afloat with 20 first-half points.
Serbia maintained this lead throughout the third quarter, leading by 13 going into the fourth quarter. Just when it looked like the lights were too bright for the Americans, they kicked it into gear and mounted a majestic comeback. The pivotal sequence for Team USA came trailing by 11 midway through the fourth.
Kevin Durant swished down a three as an away from the ball foul was called on Nikola Jokic, which awarded the Americans another possession. Devin Booker immediately cashed in a three of his own as Team USA scored six points in a matter of seconds. While Serbia continued to battle down the stretch, the offensive firepower of the Americans became too superior as Durant, Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Curry took turns hitting big shots to create a five-point lead with less than two minutes to play.
Bogdan Bogdanovic had a clutch and one to cut Team USA’s lead to two points with less than a minute to play, making a final push. But Durant calmly responded with a silky pull-up jumper from the right wing to extend the lead to four as the Americans escaped with the win.
Curry led Team USA in scoring with 36 points, including nine three-pointers and the dagger free throws in the moment. Embiid finished with 19 points, many of which came when they desperately needed them in the fourth quarter, and James had 16 of his own.
Serbia was led by Jokic, who had 17 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Bogdanovic was also sensational with his shotmaking, scoring 20 points and Aleksa Avramovic added 15 of his own.
