The United States men’s basketball team clinched their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating host nation France 98-87 in a captivating final at the Bercy Arena. This victory marks the 17th gold medal for the USA in men’s basketball, extending their remarkable Olympic winning streak which has remained unbroken since 2004.Stephen Curry emerged as the hero for Team USA, delivering a clutch performance with 24 points, including four crucial three-pointers in the final 2:43 of the game. Curry’s sharpshooting proved decisive in sealing the victory, as he celebrated by shaking his jersey and letting out a yell. ‘To get a gold medal is something that is crazy to me. I have to thank God for giving me the opportunity to experience that,’ Curry remarked, savoring his first Olympic gold medal.The US team, coached by Steve Kerr, showcased their depth and talent throughout the tournament. Kevin Durant etched his name in the history books by securing his fourth Olympic gold medal, becoming the most decorated player in men’s basketball Olympic history. LeBron James, potentially in his last Olympic appearance at age 39, contributed 14 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, earning him the MVP title for the tournament.Despite a valiant effort from the French team, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama who scored a game-high 26 points, the Americans’ firepower proved too much to overcome. Wembanyama, showing both his talent and determination, expressed optimism for the future, saying, ‘I will be going for gold in four years’ time’.This victory not only cements the United States’ dominance in Olympic basketball but also raises questions about the future of international competition. With aging stars like Curry and James likely to retire from Olympic play, the landscape of international basketball may shift, with teams like France, Serbia, Germany, and Canada on the rise.
Key points
- Team USA won their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball, defeating France 98-87.
- Stephen Curry’s clutch performance, including four three-pointers in the final 2:43, was crucial to securing the victory.
- Kevin Durant became the most decorated player in men’s basketball Olympic history with his fourth gold medal.
- Victor Wembanyama led France with 26 points, showcasing his potential for future Olympic competitions.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported scores for Curry (24 or 26 points) and Durant (15 points) across different sources.
