Gregg Popovich once remarked that basketball was a “pretty simple game”. Sitting in the stands at the Bercy Arena, you could imagine the legendary coach breaking from his icy stare with a grin at the point Steph Curry ensured the USA survived an almighty scare. It took Curry’s 36 points, with nine of 14 three-pointers made, to deny a spirited Serbia to reach the gold medal match at the Olympics with a 95-91 victory.
Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, and his hulking physique, had battered the Americans throughout the majority of this contest, posting 17 points, 11 assists and five rebounds. The Nuggets star knitted everything together for a Serbian side inspired to produce the game of their lives: They made just seven turnovers and shot 15 three-pointers at an efficient rate of 38.5 percent.
For so long a seismic shock looked probable, with Serbia leading by as many as 17 points. But the USA would not be denied and this dream comeback now sets up a men’s final against a rampant France on Saturday. The hosts’ 20-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama inspired them past world champions Germany.
And Steve Kerr must now contend with the Spurs sensation and all 7ft 4in of his frame. Just ask Dennis Schroder, whose looping three-pointer was denied by ‘The Alien’ and the most ludicrous, outstretched block. Yes, this is sort of comeback that instils a fierce determination and one that fellow finalists France may have watched with a grimace after their own stirring semi-final .
