Zero Points in the Semifinals: Is Team USA Facing Internal Strife? LeBron and KD Seal the Win

In the world of basketball, no team is more scrutinized than the USA Men's National Basketball Team, especially when it comes to the Olympics. The expectations are sky-high, and anything less than absolute dominance is often viewed as a failure. Yet, in their semifinal clash against Serbia, Team USA found themselves in unfamiliar territory—trailing by double digits at halftime, with the likes of Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards struggling mightily. The game was a tense affair, filled with drama, heroics, and a performance by Stephen Curry that may have just saved the day.

Before the game, Team USA's General Manager Grant Hill boldly stated that even if only half of their players performed well, they would still win. This confidence seemed misplaced as Serbia stormed to a 54-43 halftime lead. Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic and a determined supporting cast, played like warriors, rotating ten players in the first half alone and seeing nine of them score. Meanwhile, Team USA, despite also using ten players, saw only six of them register points. Most notably, Kevin Durant, a player known for his clutch performances, was held scoreless, and Anthony Edwards, who had been the team's leading scorer during group play, managed just two points. The bright spot in an otherwise dismal half for the Americans was Curry, who rained down three-pointers in Paris for the first time, scoring 20 of his team's 43 points.

The first half exposed some concerning trends for Team USA. Edwards, at just 23 years old, seemed unprepared to carry the torch as the team's new leader. In the face of adversity, he missed two wide-open three-pointers, failing to live up to the expectations placed upon him after his stellar group stage performances. As the saying goes, "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." In this high-stakes game, Edwards appeared more like a promising talent than a superstar ready to take over. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum, another young star expected to be a cornerstone of the team's future, was conspicuously absent from the rotation, not playing a single minute in the first half. This raised eyebrows and sparked rumors of internal discord, especially considering Tatum's status as an NBA champion.

As the game moved into the third quarter, LeBron James and Stephen Curry led a spirited comeback, cutting the deficit to just six points at one stage. However, when the second unit took the floor, Serbia once again seized control, pushing their lead back to 13 points by the end of the quarter. Heading into the final period, the score stood at 76-63 in favor of Serbia, and Team USA was facing the very real prospect of an Olympic upset.

But the fourth quarter was a different story. Team USA went into what can only be described as "win-or-go-home" mode, with LeBron, Durant, and Curry all on the court simultaneously. The impact was immediate. Within minutes, the Americans had cut the lead to within five points. Durant, who had been quiet for most of the game, finally lived up to his "Slim Reaper" nickname, delivering key plays on both ends of the floor.

With less than four minutes remaining, LeBron James turned into a savior, tying the game with a fast-break layup. Curry then followed up with a trademark three-pointer to give Team USA their first lead since the early minutes of the game. In the closing moments, Durant delivered the dagger—a classic mid-range pull-up jumper that put the game out of reach. The final score: Team USA 95, Serbia 91.

Stephen Curry was the undisputed star of the game, finishing with 36 points and 8 rebounds, including nine three-pointers. His performance silenced critics who had questioned his ability to perform in international competition. LeBron James, ever the steady presence, recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, proving once again why he is one of the greatest players of all time. Joel Embiid, who had faced criticism throughout the tournament, also stepped up, contributing 19 points and 4 rebounds. And while Durant scored only 9 points, his defense and timely scoring were invaluable.

However, the elephant in the room remains the lack of contribution from the younger stars, particularly Tatum and Edwards. Tatum, who did not see any action in the game, is now the subject of speculation and rumor, with some wondering if internal strife is brewing within the team. After all, Tatum entered the Olympics with the expectation of formally taking the reins from the older generation of stars. Yet, in this crucial game, he was relegated to the bench, a "DNP" (Did Not Play) next to his name. Anthony Edwards, despite his promising start to the tournament, faltered in the face of adversity, scoring just two points in the biggest game of his young career.

As Team USA prepares for the gold medal match against host nation France, these questions loom large. Will the younger generation step up when it matters most, or will the burden once again fall on the shoulders of the 35-and-over club—LeBron, Durant, and Curry? The semifinal scare may have been just the wake-up call Team USA needed, but it also exposed potential cracks in the foundation of the team.

For Serbia, the loss was bittersweet. They played with heart and nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic basketball history. Nikola Jokic, as always, was a force, scoring 17 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists while playing almost the entire game. Serbia's three-point shooting, a major weapon throughout the tournament, was effective for three quarters, as they hit 15 of their 39 attempts. But fatigue set in during the fourth quarter, and their shooting cooled off when they needed it most.

In the end, Team USA's experience and star power prevailed. But as they head into the final against France, questions remain about the team's future. Can the younger generation step up when the stakes are highest, or will Team USA continue to rely on their aging superstars? The gold medal game will provide the answers, but one thing is certain: this team can no longer afford to take anything for granted.