In an instant classic, Team USA rallied past Serbia 95-91 in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics to advance to the gold medal game. The Americans — who will face France for gold on Saturday — trailed by as many as 17 points, but behind Stephen Curry’s 36 points, Joel Embiid’s 19 and key late baskets from LeBron James and Kevin Durant, they escaped what would have been a stunning loss.
Curry had struggled in Team USA’s first four games of these Olympics — he had 29 points total — but he delivered an iconic performance in his first Olympics. His nine 3-pointers were one short of Carmelo Anthony’s Olympic record of 10 vs. Nigeria in 2012, and his 36 points were also just shy of Anthony’s U.S. Olympic record.
Serbia deserves massive credit for giving the United States all it could handle and then some. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic had 17 points and 11 assists, and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 20 points. In the end, though, Serbia ran out of gas on both ends.
Still, one of the most enthralling international basketball games led to plenty of reaction from stars across the sports world, with Curry getting massive kudos from his NBA peers. Let’s take a look at the best social media reactions.
Bucks star Damian Lillard:
Grizzlies star Ja Morant:
Hawks guard Trae Young:
76ers guard Tyrese Maxey shouted out his teammate:
Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley:
Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns:
Knicks guard Josh Hart:
Knicks guard Deuce McBride:
Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson:
Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes:
Hall of Famer Magic Johnson:
Hall of Famer and Spain legend Pau Gasol:
Hall of Famer and Argentina legend Manu Ginobili:
Former NBA guard Evan Turner:
Team USA will for gold on Saturday. Serbia will face Germany for bronze.
