In a memorable basketball game, the US stars are closer to an Olympic exit than they have been for 20 years. Two superstars of mature age save the top favorites from ignominy
After averting disgrace at the Olympics with a lot of luck and even more class, LeBron James had his say for the US basketball team. In the team circle of multimillionaires, the superstar made an appeal to his colleagues in strong and, at times, inappropriate language. “One more win, damn one more win. Steph (Curry) and Joel (Embiid) saved us today,” said the 39-year-old after the 95:91 win against Serbia, in which the top favorites had to make up a 17-point deficit.
Never before have the US basketball team lost a knockout game at the Olympics with such a star-studded line-up. And they have never been as close as they were on Thursday evening against the world championship runners-up, who put up a gigantic fight led by NBA star Nikola Jokic. The US team around James, Curry and Kevin Durant sat in front of the Bercy Arena around midnight, suitably relieved, and had their next group photo taken in casual clothes
No bronze game at 11 a.m. local time
In the final on Saturday (9.30pm), the USA will be looking to win their fifth Olympic gold medal in a row against hosts France with super talent Victor Wembanyama. For James, who has played in the NBA since 2003, it could be his last opportunity to win an important trophy.
“I’m 39, facing my 22nd season. I don’t know how many more chances and moments there are to win a title and play big games. Today was a big game,” said the four-time NBA champion, who recorded a triple-double with double figures in points, rebounds and assists.
James has now become the first player in basketball history to record two triple-doubles at the Olympics – there have only been four in total. The comeback led by Curry and James also saved the team from a humiliating experience for the US: if they had lost, the Olympic champions would have had to play for bronze on Saturday at 11 a.m. – against world champions Germany. For the US fans at home, that would have meant a game in the middle of the night.
