Steph Curry leads Team USA to comeback win vs Serbia, faces France for gold l FIRST THINGS FIRST | HO

Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes react to Team USA’s 95-91 comeback win against Serbia in the semifinals. Steph Curry led the way with 36 points as the red, white and blue will face France for gold.

USA Triumphs Over Serbia in Thrilling Olympic Game

In a gripping Olympic basketball match, Team USA edged out Serbia with a final score of 95-91. The game was a dramatic showdown, with the U.S. coming back from a 13-point deficit going into the fourth quarter. The veterans—Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and LeBron James—took charge, scoring all 13 of the team’s final points and securing the win. LeBron James delivered a standout performance, notching a triple-double, a rare feat in Olympic history.

Nick, what’s your immediate reaction to this game? I have to admit, during our previous segment about the Eagles, I was actually watching the final minutes of this game, which is why I might have seemed distracted. The U.S. outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter, with the final minutes seeing LeBron, Steph, and Durant carrying the team to victory. Durant made a crucial steal and a pivotal jumper, while Steph Curry showcased brilliance throughout. This was possibly the second triple-double ever recorded in men’s Olympic basketball history, with LeBron being the only other player to have achieved it. It was a remarkable performance by these three veterans, who were crucial in closing out the game.

Despite the win, the game had significant stakes. For LeBron, Steph, and Durant, a loss could have impacted their legacies. For LeBron, it would have been a significant blow, while for the others, it would have been a setback. It’s notable that these seasoned players stepped up when needed most. Their performances ensured that the U.S. team remained strong despite the close contest.

The game was indeed challenging, and it’s good for the team to have faced such a test. Reflecting on past Olympics, like in 2008 when the U.S. narrowly defeated Spain by 11 points, it’s clear that such close games are not uncommon. This could be the tight game before a potentially smoother path to the gold medal.

There was a notable aspect of the game—the absence of Jason Tatum from significant minutes. This has sparked discussion and some frustration. Tatum’s lack of playing time is becoming a storyline, and many are questioning the roster construction. Michael Redd, who had limited playtime on the 2008 Redeem Team, shared that playing minutes isn’t the only measure of contribution to a championship team. Yet, Tatum’s exclusion remains a topic of debate, especially given his high status and previous accolades.

I understand the frustration over Tatum’s limited role, but it’s also about the team’s success. The focus should remain on winning the gold medal. Despite his notable regular-season performance and being named to the All-NBA First Team, Tatum’s current Olympic performance has not matched that level, which fuels the debate on his role and future performance.

In addition to the game analysis, there’s been some criticism directed at Tatum, and comparisons to other players like Patrick Mahomes have been made. While Mahomes’s success is well-established, Tatum’s current situation highlights different expectations and pressures. The performance of top players like LeBron, Durant, and Steph has been crucial in demonstrating their continued excellence.

Ultimately, the narrative around Tatum and his Olympic role will continue, but it’s important to remember that individual performances can fluctuate. The key takeaway from the game is the impressive comeback and the leadership shown by the veterans, which was pivotal in securing the victory.

As we look ahead, the team’s future games will be closely watched, and any shifts in player roles or performances will be scrutinized. For now, the focus should remain on celebrating the win and preparing for the gold medal game.

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