LeBron James reveals inspiring Carmelo Anthony message that spurred epic USA comeback
LeBron James shared how Carmelo Anthony inspired Team USA's epic comeback win over Serbia in the men's basketball tournament semifinals in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday. James helped carry the United States to the gold medal game after outlasting Nikola Jokic and Co. 95-91.
In a post on Instagram, James showed a lot of admiration for his friend and Team USA legend. "The King" explained that it was Anthony who delivered a loud message when the United States were down big.
"You said, 'Gotta get it done The hard way.' I heard you loud and clear my friend @carmeloanthony," James wrote.
Carmelo Anthony was in attendance at the Accor Arena to support Team USA. Anthony has been present in the Olympics and not just when the United States have had a game. He's a global ambassador for FIBA along with other legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol.
LeBron James drops triple-double in Team USA win
At the age of 39, LeBron James proved that he still has a lot left in the tank despite the mileage of his career. He put on a show in Team USA's narrow win over Serbia. They were down by as many as 17 points in the third quarter before James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant inspired the comeback.
The LA Lakers star finished with a triple-double of 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He also made some clutch plays in the fourth quarter. Curry was the best player of the game with 36 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while making nine 3-point shots.
Durant was clutch as well although he only had nine points off the bench. Joel Embiid had a great game against Nikola Jokic, contributing 19 points, four rebounds and two assists.
What's next for LeBron James and Team USA?
Team USA is one more win away from winning another gold medal in the Olympics. The only team standing in their way is host France, who defeated reigning World Champions Germany in the semifinals.
It's a rematch of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal game but both have improved rosters. The United States should be favored to win, but France will likely put up a fight like Serbia. They have a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama, who can affect both the offense and defense.
France won't have the pressure to perform, as it will be the underdogs. Based on Thursday's game between Team USA and Serbia, the Americans could be complacent.
The hosts will look to capitalize on every mistake but also need to have a near-perfect game to produce an upset.