Shooting guard Stephen Curry delivered what his teammate called a "godlike performance" to keep the U.S. men's basketball team's Olympic gold medal hopes alive on Thursday with a remarkable comeback victory against Serbia.

Curry, serving as team captain, scored an astonishing 36 points, helping the United States overcome a 17-point deficit by sinking three-pointer after three-pointer in the semi-final. Despite trailing for most of the game, the U.S. managed to take the lead for just over three minutes in the crucial fourth quarter, securing their place in the gold medal game against hosts France on Saturday.

Kevin Durant, who scored nine points in the game and plays for the NBA's Phoenix Suns, praised Curry's performance. "That was a godlike performance," Durant said. "Steph felt like he was struggling throughout the whole tournament, and tonight, he showed up. God was with him tonight. He was with us tonight and through Steph."

While Durant described it as one of the best games he had ever seen Curry play, the four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors downplayed his individual contribution, saying he was just responding to what the game demanded. "I haven't had many opportunities and haven't shot the ball well the whole tournament," said the 36-year-old Curry. "But it doesn't waver your confidence to meet the moment... You live for those moments, and it doesn't matter if you shoot three times or however many I shot tonight."

Curry, who made 9 of 14 three-point attempts, emphasized the importance of starting strong in the final against France, who defeated Germany 73-69 earlier on Thursday to reach the final. "I know they're going to feed off their home energy," Curry said. "We have to get off to a better start than we did tonight."