In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Paris Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament, Team USA defeated France 98-87 to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal. Led by the scintillating play of Stephen Curry, who poured in 24 points, including three clutch three-pointers down the stretch, the American team fought off a determined French squad to claim victory.
The matchup between the United States and France was highly anticipated, with both teams boasting rosters stacked with NBA talent. France, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, pushed the Americans to their limits but ultimately fell short in the final minutes of the game.
Team USA started the game with a strong defensive effort, and after taking an 11-10 lead midway through the first quarter, they never trailed again. However, France refused to back down, keeping the contest competitive throughout. Despite never losing their lead, the Americans could not fully shake off the resilient French team, which kept the game within reach.
LeBron James, playing in what many believe to be his final Olympic appearance, flirted with a triple-double, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court. James’ contributions were vital as he orchestrated the American offense and provided crucial defensive plays. He finished the game with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, a fitting performance for his storied Olympic career.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each added 15 points for the U.S., playing pivotal roles in maintaining the lead as France continued to apply pressure. Durant, who has been a cornerstone of Team USA’s success in recent years, secured his fourth gold medal, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest Olympic basketball players of all time.
The game reached a fever pitch in the fourth quarter when France, spurred by Wembanyama’s dominant inside presence, cut the American lead to just three points with three minutes remaining. Wembanyama, who finished with a game-high 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting, showcased his potential as one of the NBA’s future stars, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the American juggernaut.
With the momentum seemingly shifting towards France, Stephen Curry took control of the game in a way that only he can. Curry, making his first and potentially only Olympic appearance, erupted with a series of three-pointers that left the French defense scrambling. His first dagger pushed the U.S. lead back to six points, and two more quick threes in succession effectively sealed the game, touching off a jubilant celebration for Team USA.
Curry’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he finished 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, capping off a red-hot shooting streak that saw him go 17-of-31 from three-point range since the start of the semifinals. His heroics in the closing minutes not only secured the victory but also underscored why he is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history.
For Team USA, the victory marks their 17th overall gold medal in men’s basketball and extends their dominance on the international stage. It also adds another chapter to the illustrious careers of Curry, James, and Durant, who have all left an indelible mark on Olympic basketball.
As the final buzzer sounded and the American players embraced on the court, it was clear that this gold medal held special significance. For Curry, it was the culmination of a long-awaited dream. For James, it was a fitting conclusion to a legendary Olympic career. And for Durant, it was yet another testament to his enduring excellence on the world stage.
Team USA’s victory in Paris will be remembered not just for the final score, but for the way in which these basketball legends came together to deliver a masterclass in teamwork, skill, and determination, ensuring that the gold standard in men’s basketball remains firmly in American hands.
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