The U.S. Men’s Basketball Team once again proved their dominance on the global stage, securing their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal with a 98-87 victory over France in the final game of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Leading the charge was none other than Stephen Curry, who delivered a jaw-dropping performance, sinking eight three-pointers and scoring a total of 24 points. His remarkable shooting display silenced the French crowd and dashed the host nation’s hopes of an upset.
A Rematch with Familiar Foes
This gold medal match was a repeat of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics final, where the U.S. also faced and defeated France. The two teams have a history of Olympic encounters, with the U.S. coming out on top in every meeting: the 1948 London Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and now, the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite France’s efforts, they were once again unable to overcome the formidable American squad.
First Half: U.S. Takes Control
The game began with Devin Booker making an impact, scoring seven points in the first quarter to help the U.S. secure a 20-15 lead. The second quarter saw France closing the gap, thanks to a buzzer-beating shot by Guerschon Yabusele, but the U.S. maintained their advantage, heading into halftime with a 49-41 lead.
A Tight Third Quarter
As the second half commenced, the U.S. extended their lead to 61-47 midway through the third quarter. However, France mounted a strong comeback, narrowing the deficit to single digits. Despite the French surge, the U.S. managed to finish the quarter with a 72-66 lead, setting the stage for a tense final period.
The Curry Show in the Fourth Quarter
In the fourth quarter, France continued to chip away at the U.S. lead, at one point reducing the gap to just three points. But this was when Curry took over. His clutch shooting, including a series of momentum-shifting three-pointers, extinguished France’s hopes and secured the victory for the U.S. team. Curry’s performance was not just a display of skill but a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him the most.
A Historic Achievement
With this win, the U.S. team has now claimed gold in five consecutive Olympics, a streak that began at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and continued through London in 2012, Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2020, and now Paris in 2024. Kevin Durant, one of the team’s veteran leaders, earned his fourth Olympic gold medal, surpassing Carmelo Anthony’s three golds and one bronze to become the most decorated player in Olympic basketball history.
For Stephen Curry, this victory was particularly sweet. Despite his illustrious NBA career, which includes four NBA championships and two MVP awards, this was his first Olympic gold medal. Curry’s performance in this tournament, particularly his shooting in the final, solidified his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history.
Key Contributors and French Standouts
In addition to Curry’s standout performance, Durant and Booker each contributed 15 points, while LeBron James added 14 points and dished out 10 assists, showcasing his all-around game. The depth and experience of the U.S. roster were evident throughout the tournament, with multiple players stepping up in crucial moments.
On the French side, Victor Wembanyama, the young phenom, led all scorers with 26 points, demonstrating why he is considered one of the brightest prospects in international basketball. Yabusele added 20 points, and Nando De Colo chipped in with 12 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the U.S. team’s firepower.
Frequently Asked Questions
The US men’s basketball team has won five consecutive Olympic gold medals, from the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Stephen Curry made eight three-point shots in the finals, scoring a total of 24 points to lead the US team to victory.
Stephen Curry led the team with 24 points, followed by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker with 15 points each. LeBron James had 14 points and 10 assists.
The final score was 98-87 for the US team.
Kevin Durant has won four Olympic gold medals, making him the most decorated player in Olympic basketball history.
Conclusion
The victory of the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to their enduring dominance on the international stage. Led by Stephen Curry’s phenomenal shooting ability and the leadership of veteran stars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James, the team once again demonstrated its ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters. As the U.S. celebrates its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, the legacy of this team and its players continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of basketball players around the world.
