Aleksa Avramovic believes stamina and energy ultimately played a major role in Serbia’s narrow loss to the United States in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Serbia led the Americans by as many as 17 points during the game and controlled much of the contest before the United States rallied in the fourth quarter to win 95-91. Looking back on the game, Avramovic pointed to the physical toll of Serbia’s quarterfinal victory over Australia.
“Stamina in my opinion, stamina,” Avramovic said on EURO INSIDERS when asked what cost Serbia against the USA. “Energy because energy level was so high during the game.”
Serbia had entered the semifinal after an extraordinary quarterfinal against Australia. The Serbians overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat Australia 95-90 in overtime, producing the biggest comeback in Olympic basketball history.
Avramovic acknowledged how demanding that game had been, particularly given Serbia’s defensive intensity.
“We did incredible comeback from the biggest in history of Olympic Games against Australia and, for example, me personally, I almost died after that game,” Avramovic said with a laugh. “Full press non-stop.”
Despite the physical toll, Avramovic said Serbia never mentally accepted defeat against Australia, even when it trailed by 24 points.
“In the moment, like 24 down, I never felt that we are going to lose this game,” he said. “All the life you are working so hard and you are not going to let this down.”
That mentality carried Serbia into the semifinal, where the team produced one of its strongest performances of the tournament for long stretches.
“We played great game against USA,” Avramovic said. “It was so close game and in the moments, like for 10, for 20, 25 minutes, let’s say, we dominated the game. We were up 14, 17, I don’t know, something like that.”
Serbia eventually saw its lead disappear as the United States mounted its comeback behind its star players. Avramovic emphasized that Serbia had competed with confidence and believed in its system throughout the tournament.
Avramovic also credited head coach Svetislav Pesic for putting Serbia in position to compete against the United States.
“The coach, I don’t want to skip him. He’s, in my opinion, one of the best ever,” Avramovic said. “He put us in the way he wants to see us on the court and to help the team. And we did it great.”
Serbia ultimately finished the Olympics with a bronze medal after defeating Germany 93-83 in the bronze medal game. Avramovic averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 assists and 2.5 rebounds in six Olympic appearances, shooting 53.3% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.
