Paris, August 2024 – In an electrifying finale at the Paris Summer Olympics, Team USA clinched the gold medal in men’s basketball, overcoming a valiant French team with a final score of 98-87. This victory marks the USA’s fifth consecutive gold medal in Olympic men’s basketball, underscoring their dominance on the global stage.
Led by Stephen Curry, who scored 24 points, including four decisive three-pointers in the final minutes, Team USA managed to fend off a resilient France. The game, held at the Bercy Arena, was a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
A Thrilling Showdown: USA vs. France
The gold medal game between the USA and France was a showcase of talent, determination, and high-stakes drama. The USA, featuring a star-studded lineup including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, took an early lead. However, France, fueled by the towering presence of Victor Wembanyama, who stood tall at an impressive 7’4″, kept the pressure on throughout the game.
Going into the fourth quarter, the USA’s 14-point lead had been trimmed to just six points, thanks to France’s relentless defense and Wembanyama’s 26-point performance. At one point, the French team closed the gap to just three points, raising hopes among the home crowd that an upset was possible.
Curry’s Olympic Heroics
Stephen Curry, participating in his first-ever Olympic Games, demonstrated why he is considered the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history. With the game hanging in the balance, Curry requested a clear-side pick-and-roll with LeBron James during a crucial timeout, a strategy that would ultimately seal the victory for Team USA. Curry’s four consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes left the French team and fans in disbelief.
“At that point, your mind goes blank. You don’t really care about the setting or the scenario,” Curry said after the game. “Thankfully, that one went in and settled us down. After that, it’s just rhythm and flow and confidence.”
Coach Steve Kerr, who has seen Curry deliver time and again for the Golden State Warriors, trusted his instincts. “Down the stretch, Steph took over,” Kerr said. “He put on that show down the stretch in the last few minutes, and it was pretty amazing to watch.”
France’s Valiant Effort
Despite the loss, France’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. Wembanyama, touted as the next big thing in basketball, delivered his best game of the tournament. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ posed a significant challenge to the American defense. Wembanyama’s contributions were complemented by strong performances from his teammates, but ultimately, they were unable to contain Curry’s late-game heroics.
French coach Vincent Collet expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the talent and experience of the USA team. “We knew it was going to be tough, but I’m proud of how we fought. It took one of the best performances from one of the greatest players to beat us.”
A Legacy of Gold for Team USA
For Team USA, this victory adds another chapter to their storied Olympic basketball history. LeBron James, who played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, reflected on the achievement. “We have been in some tight games throughout the preliminary games, and we knew we were going to get everybody’s biggest punch. It was all about staying composed and willing our way to victory.”
Are we the World Champs now?
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 10, 2024
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/t4M9NeBkU6
Kevin Durant, who became the all-time leading scorer in USA Basketball Olympic history during this tournament, secured his fourth gold medal, a record for any male Olympic basketball player. Durant’s legacy as the greatest FIBA player ever is further cemented by his performances in Paris.
The Future of Olympic Basketball
As the Paris Olympics draw to a close, attention will soon shift to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where a new generation of American basketball stars will aim to continue the legacy. The likes of Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Edwards, who contributed significantly to this year’s gold medal run, will likely lead the charge.
The European mind cannot comprehend this 🥇 pic.twitter.com/xZ7vCtzCgY
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 10, 2024
For France, the future is equally bright. Victor Wembanyama’s emergence as a global basketball star promises many more thrilling matchups against Team USA in the years to come. His height, skill, and potential make him a player to watch as he continues to develop on the international stage.
A Memorable Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered not only for the dramatic gold medal game but also for the incredible display of talent and sportsmanship by both teams. For Stephen Curry, this experience was particularly special. “This might not come around again,” Curry said on the podium, his gold medal gleaming around his neck. “I’m just having the best time of my life.”
As fans reflect on the tournament, one thing is clear: the legacies of Curry, James, and Durant have been painted in gold, and the future of Olympic basketball looks brighter than ever.