James and Curry
James and CurryYOAN VALATEFE

The seasoned veterans of the United States men’s basketball team orchestrated a dramatic comeback to overcome Serbia and secure a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games basketball final. The thrilling turn of events, particularly LeBron James’ rousing message to teammate Steph Curry, has quickly gained traction online and captured the imagination of fans.

At one point during the match, Serbia held a commanding lead of 17 points. Denver Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic appeared to be steering his team toward a monumental upset. However, the U.S. team, led by coach Steve Kerr, mounted a formidable rally, finishing with a 32-15 run that turned the tide in their favor. This remarkable comeback allowed Team USA to edge past Serbia and earn their place in the gold medal game against France.

The game showcased extraordinary performances from both LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Curry, of the Golden State Warriors, delivered an impressive 36 points, while LeBron James, representing the Los Angeles Lakers, recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Their contributions were pivotal in securing the 95-91 victory at the Accor Arena in Paris.

Following the game, LeBron James’ passionate pep talk to his teammates went viral. His emotional declaration, “One more… one f—ing more,” resonated with fans and reflected the intensity of the moment. James’ expletive-laden rallying cry was a testament to the pressure and stakes of the tournament. He acknowledged the pivotal roles played by Curry and Joel Embiid, exclaiming, “Motherf**kin’ Chef & Joe, y’all mother**kers carried us tonight. One more goddammit.” The raw emotion and leadership displayed by James highlighted the significance of the victory and the challenges faced throughout the tournament.

This match was particularly significant for the U.S. team as it was the first time they were truly tested in the competition. Despite their flawless record leading up to this game, the comeback against Serbia demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The game’s dramatic nature and the standout performances from James, Curry, and Durant, who are all seasoned veterans, added an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia. For many fans, this will likely be their last opportunity to witness these iconic players in Olympic action, making the game even more memorable.

The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive. On X.com (formerly Twitter), users expressed their admiration for James’ leadership and the team’s performance. One user commented, “What a good leader,” while another wrote, “Gave me goosebumps, bro.” A third remarked, “That’s a leader!!!” These reactions reflect the widespread appreciation for the players’ dedication and the thrilling nature of the game.

Looking ahead, the U.S. team faces another formidable challenge in the gold medal game, scheduled for August 10 at 15:30 ET/12:30 PT. They will go up against France, a team led by the highly touted Victor Wembanyama. France secured their place in the final by defeating the FIBA World Champions, Germany, with a close 73-69 victory. Wembanyama, playing for the San Antonio Spurs, contributed significantly with 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his potential to be a game-changer in the final.

As Team USA prepares for the gold medal match, they will need to build on their hard-fought victory against Serbia and adapt to the challenge posed by the French team, which will be buoyed by home-court advantage. The clash promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with both teams bringing their best to secure Olympic glory.

In summary, the U.S. team’s comeback victory against Serbia was a testament to their grit and determination, with LeBron James and Stephen Curry delivering standout performances. The upcoming gold medal game against France, featuring Wembanyama, is set to be a high-stakes encounter that will test the mettle of both teams. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting finale to the 2024 Olympic basketball tournament.