Stephen Curry acknowledged that Team USA didn’t play up to their usual standards but maintained a calm demeanor during timeouts. He described the semifinal win over Serbia as a special moment and shared insights into his approach after a challenging start to the Paris Olympics.
Curry delivered a standout performance when Team USA needed it most, scoring 36 points on 12-for-19 shooting in the semifinal against Serbia. This was a significant improvement from his previous tournament averages of 7.3 points per game and a 25% shooting rate from three-point range. Curry’s 9 three-pointers fell just short of the Olympic record held by his teammate, Kevin Durant.
“Defense fuels offense,” Curry said after the game. “We got stops, and that allowed us to get back into the game. Serbia hit some tough shots early, and they are a strong team. Coming back from a 17-point deficit and winning was a remarkable achievement.”
Despite his earlier struggles, Curry remained confident. “You have to stay true to your craft. I didn’t shoot well earlier in the tournament, but I didn’t let it affect my confidence. I stayed focused on the game’s demands and was ready when the opportunities came.”
Curry highlighted a crucial moment in the fourth quarter, where he credited Joel Embiid for setting a critical screen. “I was fortunate that the call went in our favor. Hitting that big shot was a moment you live for. It’s all about staying calm and making the most of your chances.”
Serbia started strong, hitting six three-pointers in the first quarter and leading by double digits at halftime. Team USA was trailing by 13 points after three quarters. “We knew we weren’t playing our best, but we felt close to turning the game around. The start of the fourth quarter was key for us,” Curry explained.
Curry noted that despite the team’s struggles, there was no panic in the locker room. “The mood was eerily calm. There was positive self-talk and focus. We knew what needed to be done, and we kept that belief until the end.”
He praised his teammates for stepping up in different games throughout the tournament, mentioning contributions from various players like Kevin Durant, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker. “That’s the beauty of Team USA and FIBA. Every game has seen different heroes. Hopefully, we’ll have another win on Saturday, and we can look back at this game as one that tested and challenged us.”
Looking ahead to the gold medal game, Curry expressed hope for continued contributions from the entire team and the opportunity to build on this hard-fought victory.
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