“We knew we would be challenged. We knew it would be our toughest game”, said LeBron James after Team USA’s memorable game against Serbia during the 2024 Paris Olympics. ‘Challenged’ is certainly one way to describe the game, as Nikola Jokic and Co had almost massacred USA during the early minutes. Fortunately, a string of clutch time brilliance from the team’s three oldest players helped it to stay afloat for the Finals. As new behind-the-scenes footage from the game reveals, the ‘brilliance’ would not have been on the same level if Carmelo Anthony wasn’t motivating the players from the sidelines.

Netflix recently released ‘Court of Gold’, a six-episode series that covers the men’s basketball championship during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Before things turned to the pivotal USA vs France matchup, the Serbia game was discussed. As Team USA held a 91-89 lead during the final minute, the ball went to Kevin Durant. Former Olympic champion Dwyane Wade recalled that his eyes were on Carmelo Anthony, who himself was focused on KD. Melo was reportedly telling the veteran to get out of the way of the defense and clear a space. Durant did just that by confusing Serbia’s Filip Petrušev, finding an opening, and dropping a 2-pointer to extend his team’s lead. With USA leading 93-89 with 36 seconds remaining, there wasn’t much Serbia could do to secure the win for themselves. The shot cemented the game’s outcome, and Carmelo Anthony was glad about it.

“These are the things that not everybody can do,” said Anthony when recalling the shot for the Netflix crew. “We’re dealing with greatness here. We always feel like we got a chance when you’re dealing with greatness”.

Carmelo Anthony’s advice played an important role in preventing Team USA’s legacy from being tarnished in a major way. After all, Serbia had initially established the odds in their favor from the game’s start. Nikola Jokic and co secured a close lead during the first quarter. They only built upon it during the second and third. Serbia, at a given moment, was leading by 17 points. This showed that things had gotten out of hand. Even in the final minutes, the European country was leading by a 76-63 score. For many, this was the indication that Team USA’s basketball roster would return home after not winning the Gold Medal for the first time since 2004, and the 3 time over the last 11 Olympics.

Fortunately, Serbia’s performance only went down from the 76-63 score onwards. Stephen Curry played a major role in this. Having struggled with his shooting during the previous games, Curry led it all out during the Serbia game by scoring 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant could only make 9 points by the end of the game. His shot during clutch time, however, ensured that Stephen Curry’s efforts did not go in vain. Durant showed up when he was most needed, and helped clear the worry for head coach Steve Kerr, and the several fans who watched the game live. Now, thanks to the revelation from the ‘Court of Gold’, we can even thank Carmelo Anthony for guiding the veteran along.

The win against Serbia was just another step towards the Finals against France. However, such a close win was something that needed to be commemorated. Fortunately, along with Melo’s advice, the Netflix series also gave a glimpse into Team USA’s mood in the game’s aftermath.

Steve Kerr and co held Beer and Hope after the win against Serbia

A remorse-filled Team Serbia returned to the locker room. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr and the Team USA squad took to the outside. Both players and coaching staff were enjoying the night in the open, indulging in beer and posing for photographs. The coaching staff even included LeBron James in their drink party. The player agreed to a cold brew despite another game remaining on their schedule.

Afterward, the team returned to their hotel amidst the crowd’s cheers and the display of affection from their loved ones. As the group grabbed dinner, Anthony Edwards could be seen exclaiming “Steph just landed. He landed like at 5 pm. He here now. He’s arrived now. Everybody know Chef Curry’s in town now”. Joy dominated over everyone. Tyrese Haliburton indulged in some chocolate ice cream, and Kevin Durant wished to celebrate all night. After all, “It’s special tonight, man. Guarantee you, everyone here will never forget about this night. Everybody here will remember this night for the rest of their lives. That’s how special this is”. If seeing so much happiness would not bring tears of joy to a typical NBA fan, then very few other things might.

Winning the Gold Medal cemented the legacies of many NBA legends. Kevin Durant walked away with his 4 Olympic Gold Medal, the most for any male athlete in a team sport. There is no knowing what the future holds for him, and whether KD will be back for another Olympics. However, that should not diminish his recent accomplishments in any way.