Team USA reached the gold medal game with a narrow win against Serbia in the semifinals. A LeBron James and Stephen Curry masterclass prevailed in a stunning fourth-quarter turnaround.
It was a memorable win for the team, and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony witnessed it from the sidelines. Melo was seen attending the game with his son, Kiyan Anthony. In fact, the 3x gold medal winner was verbally invested throughout the game as he yelled out plays from the sidelines.
Carmelo's passion seemingly reached the entire team as they erased a 13-point deficit in the game's final quarter, led by team captain LeBron.
Melo's message to Team USA
Anthony had a stellar 19-year career in the NBA. Sure, he failed to win a championship, but he is undoubtedly a future basketball Hall of Famer. Moreover, Melo is considered a Team USA legend thanks to his three gold medals.
Even though he is now a spectator at the 2024 Paris Olympics, his longtime friend and rival LeBron James revealed that the former Nuggets superstar's motivational comment helped them in winning the semifinals.
"You said 'Gotta get it done the hard way.' I heard you loud and clear my brother," James wrote on his Instagram story .
Anthony has been supportive of Team USA in Paris as he has cheered for his nation in the stadium. USAB is closer than ever to winning gold medal no. 17 as they are set to face off against France this Saturday.
James once saved Melo's life
James and Melo shared a professional rivalry for nearly two decades, which transformed into a friendship between the two superstars. In fact, the two legends even briefly played on the same team during Anthony's final season in the league.
Speaking of their friendship, James once revealed how he saved his longtime rival from drowning . The incident occurred in 2015 when Melo, James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Paul were on vacation in the Bahamas.
"I just knew that he was not back in the boat with the rest of us, so I went out looking for him," James said . "And through the grace of God and strength and not being afraid of the water, I was able to help him back to the boat. It was the only thing that was on my mind at that point and time, was getting my brother back to the boat."
The trip could have turned into a tragic story for Anthony's family. However, thanks to James' quick thinking, the former New York Knicks superstar was saved. The duo may joke about it today, but things could have also gone South for them.
Related: "I just let that out the bag" - Carmelo Anthony reveals he partied in the Olympic Village in 2004 despite a threat of suspension
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