2024 Olympic Basketball: Last Three Minutes Comeback, United States Burys Serbian Dreams To Final

United States to the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics basketball (Instagram/@usabasketball).

JAKARTA - The United States managed to secure tickets for the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics after going through a dramatic battle against Serbia at the Accor Arena, Paris, Friday, August 9, 2024, early morning WIB.

The match is a re-party in the group stage. In the Group C match, the United States beat Serbia 110-84. However, when they met in the semifinals, the United States had to play a tight battle against Serbia.

Stephen Curry and colleagues were made difficult to catch Serbia's lead until the end of the fourth quarter.

In the first quarter, Serbia won 25-20 under three minutes. They then closed the first 10 minutes with a score of 31-23.

The case of Nikola Jokic and colleagues continues into the second quarter. Serbia again scored more than the United States 23 compared to 20.

As a result, the second quarter closed still with Serbia's advantage with a difference of 11 points, 54-43.

After the break, the United States has not given up. They tried to get closer at the start of the third quarter by narrowing the distance 47-54.

LeBron James and his friends were even able to cut the gap to just six points, 61-67, during the game with one minute and a half remaining.

However, at the remaining time, Serbia managed to take advantage of the momentum to get back away. They actually lead 13 points, 76-63, to close the third quarter.

In the last quarter, the United States began to show the quality of the team that many NBA stars live in. They approach with a five-point difference of 73-78 in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter.

Tensions immediately rose in the remaining five minutes. Serbia's points were stopped at 84. Meanwhile, the United States was able to equalize within two minutes.

Dunk Filip Petrusev had put Serbia one ball ahead. However, Curry's three-point shot was a momentum for the United States to turn things around.

After winning 87-86, the United States continued to maintain the lead for 30 seconds remaining, 91-89. Kevin Durant's successive points finally closed Serbia's resistance.

The United States won 95-91 and has the right to step into the final to meet France on August 10, 2024 at the Accor Arena.

Previously, France stepped into the top party after eliminating Germany 73-69.