Was Serbia robbed by the referees vs Team USA? Officiating errors in 6-point play emerge from Paris Olympics Basketball semis

Basketball fans around the globe were treated to a spectacular showing in the 2024 Paris Olympics semifinal encounter between Team USA and Serbia on Thursday. The back-and-forth battle saw the USA pull off an incredible fourth-quarter comeback to edge out a 95-91 win.

While this was one of the most entertaining and competitive basketball games at the Olympics over the last few decades, it did have its fair share of controversy, especially with regard to the standards of officiating. Following the game, many on social media, and even the Serbian coach and captain, commented on some questionable calls from the referees at critical stages.

Team USA trailed by as many as 17 points at one point with Steve Kerr's men 13 points behind going into the fourth quarter. A handful of close calls seemed to go against Serbia in the second half as they attempted to hold on to a slender lead.

With the Serbians leading 78-67 with 7:19 remaining in the fourth quarter, the referees called a foul against Nikola Jokic that seemed to swing the momentum of the game. An off-ball foul on Anthony Davis, while Kevin Durant was in the act of shooting, led to the USA earning three points and retaining the ball.

The ensuing possession led to another quick three from Devin Booker and the 6-point play dropped the deficit to just five points.

There were several other contentious decisions. At one point in the second half, It was clear that Kevin Durant's foot was out of bounds as he set up on the corner, but there was no call from the referees. Team USA's captain LeBron James appeared to travel while leading a fast break down the court. The Serbian bench was livid after Joel Embiid seemed to take three steps to drive in for an easy layup.

While the officiating may not have been the sole decider in the game, it certainly was a contributing factor.

Serbia's coach and team captain voiced their opinions on referees' performances after the loss to Team USA

Serbia head coach Svetislav Pesic against South Sudan during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Photo Credit: Imagn

This was a heartbreaking loss for Serbia against a talented Team USA and, understandably, they were frustrated with the final result. Head coach Svetislav Pesic was unhappy with the way the game was officiated and made his feelings clear after the loss.

"I'm angry because we didn't get respect from the referees. I have to say that, because the best player in the world shot 4 free throws in 37 minutes," Pesic told reporters.

Pesic was referring to the fact that three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic earned just four free throw attempts during the game.

Serbia's captain on the court, Bogdan Bogdanovic, voiced his concerns after the game as well, claiming the USA got some "help" from the officials:

"The USA doesn’t need that type of help against us. You know, we didn’t have that type of help when they were grabbing us with two hands and all that."

Team USA will go on to play France in the finals as they go in search of a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Serbia will have to settle for the third-place game where they will face Germany.