Team USA dodged a very deadly bullet on Thursday afternoon, surviving the onslaught of Nikola Jokic , Bogdan Bogdanovic, and the Serbian national team. Despite trailing by as much as 17 points and entering the fourth quarter down by 13, Team USA survived and accomplished an epic comeback led by their three superstars: LeBron James (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists), Stephen Curry (36 points on 9-14 3-PT FG), and Kevin Durant (9 points, including a fourth-quarter dagger).
Joel Embiid also had a big game (19 points on 8-11 FG), and the Americans are heading to the gold medal game for a chance to win their fifth straight. Despite a near-disastrous exit and an equally amazing comeback, we learned five things from Team USA’s victory over Serbia and not all of them will be positive on the Americans’ part.
1. The World Has Caught Up To Team USA
For decades, the United States dominated international basketball with an unrivaled depth of talent, but this narrow victory over Serbia underscores a significant shift. The days of Team USA steamrolling through the Olympic competition are over. Serbia, like many other national teams, has developed a roster filled with NBA-caliber talent, and their ability to lead for over 35 minutes in this game highlights the growing parity in global basketball. With players like Nikola Jokic (17 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 points) leading the charge, Serbia pushed the Americans to the brink, showcasing how the rest of the world has elevated its game.
What’s become evident is that international teams are no longer intimidated by the stars on Team USA's roster. They have their own NBA veterans, experienced coaches, and cohesive systems that can exploit even the slightest American misstep. The Serbian team executed their game plan flawlessly for much of the game, with sharp ball movement, perimeter shooting, and a well-organized defense that forced the U.S. into difficult situations. After all, Serbia led the game for over 35 minutes .
This is not an isolated incident; it's a trend we've seen in recent years, with teams like Spain, Argentina, and now Serbia proving that they can compete with, and even defeat, the USA on the biggest stage.
The U.S. may have escaped with a victory, but this game should serve as a wake-up call. The rest of the world is not just catching up—they’re here. If the Americans want to continue their dominance, they must adapt and evolve. Relying solely on superior talent is no longer enough. They must approach every game with the intensity and respect their opponents deserve, or they’ll find themselves on the wrong end of an upset.
2. Team USA Is In Big Trouble Once LeBron, Durant, And Curry Retire
LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been the cornerstone of American basketball success for over a decade, but their time at the top is limited. This close call against Serbia highlighted just how much the U.S. relies on these aging superstars, and that also includes Olympic debutant Stephen Curry. Curry’s 36-point explosion was essential to securing the win, and both LeBron and Durant played pivotal roles in guiding the team through this intense battle. Without their leadership and clutch performances, the outcome could have been very different.
Looking ahead, the future of Team USA appears uncertain. While there is no shortage of young talent in the NBA, no one has yet emerged who can fill the colossal shoes of LeBron, Durant, and Curry even if Anthony Edwards can talk the talk. The next generation of American stars will face the enormous challenge of not only living up to the legacy left behind but also of maintaining the U.S.'s place as the top basketball nation in the world.
The youngsters will need to become legends sooner rather than later, and benefitting from the luxuries they are getting in the NBA will not work in international competition anymore. The pressure will be immense for young stars including Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum , and Devin Booker , and the competition even fiercer, as other countries continue to produce elite players who can challenge the U.S. on any given night. To be frank, the future isn’t looking as strong as one might think.
Related: LeBron James Becomes First Player In History To Record Multiple Triple-Doubles At The Olympics
3. Stephen Curry Wants His Gold Medal
Stephen Curry has achieved nearly everything there is to achieve in basketball—four NBA championships, two MVP awards, and the reputation as the greatest shooter in the history of the game. Yet, one thing has eluded him: an Olympic gold medal. This game against Serbia showed just how much Curry desires that final piece of his legacy. His 36-point performance with nine threes made, capped by a clutch three-pointer to give the Americans a permanent lead in the fourth quarter, was a testament to his determination to add Olympic gold to his storied career.
Curry's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He carried Team USA when they were struggling, especially in the second half, where his shooting and playmaking kept the Americans within striking distance. It was clear that Curry was not going to let this opportunity slip away. His leadership on the court, both through his scoring and his ability to rally his teammates, was instrumental in turning the tide in favor of the U.S. in those crucial final minutes.
This game may go down as one of Curry’s finest moments, not just in an international context but in his entire career. It was a reminder that even at 36 years old, Curry is still one of the most dangerous players on the planet. With the gold medal game against France looming, Curry will undoubtedly be the focal point for Team USA. He’s just one win away from completing his basketball resume, and after his performance against Serbia, there’s no doubt that he’ll do everything in his power to claim that elusive gold.
4. Nikola Jokic Is The Best Player In The World
In a game featuring some of the biggest names in basketball, Nikola Jokic stood out as the most dominant force on the court. The Serbian big man nearly willed his team to victory with a performance that highlighted why many now consider him the best player in the world. Jokic’s ability to control the game, both as a scorer and a playmaker, kept Team USA on its heels for the majority of the contest. His court vision, basketball IQ, and versatility were on full display, making it clear that he’s the engine that drives Serbia’s success.
Jokic’s impact goes beyond just the stat sheet, though his numbers were impressive. He dictated the pace of the game, drawing double-teams, finding open teammates, and hitting big shots when Serbia needed them most. Every time the U.S. seemed poised to make a run, Jokic had an answer, whether it was a pinpoint pass to a cutting teammate or a soft touch around the rim. His presence was a constant reminder that no lead was safe as long as he was on the floor.
What makes Jokic’s performance even more remarkable is the fact that he did it against a U.S. team stacked with elite defenders. His ability to read defenses and make the right play, no matter the situation, sets him apart from his peers. While Curry may have stolen the headlines with his scoring outburst, it was Jokic who left the biggest impression and he did it without the flaunting and showboating that are innate to some American superstars.
5. Joel Embiid Made The Right Decision To Join The Americans
When Joel Embiid decided to suit up for Team USA instead of his native Cameroon or France, where he also holds citizenship, it sparked plenty of debate. But after this game, it’s clear that Embiid made the right choice. His contributions in the paint were invaluable, particularly on the defensive end, where his presence helped neutralize Serbia’s size advantage led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Embiid’s decision to join Team USA was not just about winning—it was about legacy. By aligning himself with the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet, Embiid has positioned himself to achieve something truly special. His impact in this game, particularly during the crucial moments of the final quarter, demonstrated why he is considered one of the most dominant big men in the world.
Without his presence inside, the U.S. might have found itself on the wrong end of an upset because Jokic would have had a much stronger game than he did already. No doubt, Embiid knew his best shot to win gold came by joining the Americans, and will likely add another award to a resume that includes an NBA MVP, two scoring titles, and seven All-Star selections.
Related: Steve Kerr Calls USA vs. Serbia One Of The Greatest Games He's Ever Been A Part Of
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