Stephen Curry scored 36 points to lead Team USA past Serbia to the Paris 2024 basketball finalLAPRESSE | LW

Team USA narrowly avoided a devastating upset in the Olympic semifinals, rallying from a significant deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 on Thursday.

The win propels the American team into the gold-medal match against France, where they will vie for their 18th Olympic title in 20 appearances.

Stephen Curry shines with 36 points

In a game that saw the U.S. trailing by as many as 17 points in the first half, the Serbian squad executed a surprise zone defense that initially stifled the Americans’ offense.

The U.S. struggled to find their rhythm, facing an 11-point deficit at halftime-the largest they’ve ever overcome since NBA players began competing in the Olympics in 1992.

The tide began to turn in the fourth quarter, during a critical sequence where Team USA scored six points in just two seconds.

Kevin Durant’s 3-pointer, coupled with an Anthony Davis free throw and a subsequent 3-pointer by Devin Booker, cut Serbia’s 11-point lead down to just five, igniting a comeback.

Steph Curry led the charge with 36 points, including a crucial 3-pointer with 2:16 remaining, which gave the U.S. its first lead since early in the game.

Curry then sealed the victory with two free throws in the final seconds, ensuring the Americans’ place in the gold-medal game.

Team USA’s poised to face France in gold medal match

Serbia, despite a valiant effort led by Bogdan Bogdanovic’s 20 points and strong contributions from Nikola Jokic and Aleksa Avramovic, fell short in the end.

They will now face Germany in the bronze medal match.

eps Kevin Durant’s hopes of becoming the first four-time Olympic men’s basketball gold medalist alive, as the U.S. improved their all-time Olympic record to 144-6.

Their upcoming final against France promises to be another intense battle, as Team USA looks to add yet another gold to their storied Olympic history.