3 things Serbia could do to upset Team USA in Paris Olympics Basketball semifinals

Nikola Jokic and Serbia face their toughest test yet, overcoming a 24-point deficit against Australia to book a matchup with Team USA in the semifinal of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Quite simply, this will be a contest between one of the best players in the world, against one of the most quality and elite teams assembled to win a fifth straight Olympics gold.

The USA got the better of Serbia in the showcase game and the group stage ahead of their semifinal clash on Thursday (Aug. 8) at 3 p.m. ET after the France vs Germany semifinal contest, which will tip off at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Ahead of the showdown, here are three ways Serbia could pull off a shock win against Team USA.

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Three things Serbia could do to upset Team USA in Paris Olympics Basketball semifinals

#1 Play Nikola Jokic for more minutes

Nikola Jokic is the biggest difference-maker in the marquee matchup. The Serb has single-handedly decimated teams in the NBA, and now he's up against players who he has known, seen and played enough against.

Jokic's presence on the floor makes the remaining four players alongside him legitimate threats, as he can impact the game on and off the ball. His court vision and game awareness in those extra minutes could be key if Serbia intends to pull off a massive upset.

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#2 Limit LeBron James' playmaking

One of the biggest factors behind Team USA's blowout 122-87 quarterfinal win against Brazil was LeBron James' playmaking.

Coach Stever Kerr has predominantly used the four-time NBA champion as the de facto point guard and swapping personnel around him to maximize the offensive output.

James is second in the tournament in steals and third in assists, while also pulling up some stellar shots to help USA remain undefeated.

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#3 Shoot the 3-ball often and nail as many shots as possible

Team USA's 3-point shooting department has no dearth of talent. The other major challenge for Serbia will be to outplay their opponents when shooting the 3-ball and doing it consistently.

Much will depend on Vasilije Micic and Bogdan Bogdanovich to keep them in contention, as both players have displayed their ability to get hot from the deep. Bogdanovich has been nailing the perimeter shots at a healthy 48.0%. If he can keep that consistency up, Serbia will fancy their chances.