The Paris Olympics in 2024 witnessed an exhilarating showdown in men's basketball, culminating in a highly anticipated gold medal match between Team USA and France. This contest not only highlighted the storied rivalry between the two nations but also served as a platform for showcasing individual talent, particularly that of Stephen Curry. Known for his exceptional shooting skills and leadership on the court, Curry played a pivotal role in securing victory for Team USA, further solidifying his legacy within the annals of basketball history.
The matchup was characterized by intense competition and strategic gameplay. From the outset, both teams exhibited their strengths; France aimed to leverage its size and physicality, while Team USA relied on its speed and perimeter shooting. The game remained tightly contested throughout the first half, with each team exchanging leads. However, it was during the second half that Curry's brilliance shone through. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor allowed Team USA to build a crucial lead that proved insurmountable for France.
The U.S. and its loaded roster filled with MVPs, All-Stars and NBA champions proved that once again, defeating France 98-87 for the Olympic gold medal Saturday at Bercy Arena.
Sorry France and Victor Wembanyama. Sorry Serbia and Nikola Jokic. You too, Germany and Franz Wagner and Canada and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It’s not your time for gold. Not yet. Maybe at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Maybe.
Anthony Edwards added six off the bench with two 3-pointers, while Jayson Tatum also logged minutes after blanking in the semifinal against Serbia. Tatum almost immediately slammed home a breakaway jam.
The intensity increased in the second quarter, but the U.S. took a double-digit lead toward the end. It ended 49-41 in favor of the U.S. at the half after France's Guerschon Yabusele hit a buzzer-beating layup over Anthony Davis.
Booker led the U.S. with 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting, while LeBron James had seven points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and a block. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant each hit two 3-pointers.
Yabusele led France with 15 points after a dominant quarter, including an and-1 poster on James. Victor Wembanyama added 13 points despite sitting for most of the second. Evan Fournier went scoreless off the bench.
Behind 12 points from Steph Curry in the final 2:48, all of which came from beyond the 3-point line, the Americans were not only able to hang on, but win by a more presentable margin for a legion of fans back home with high expectations for their national basketball team.
The U.S. lead was 14 early in the third, looking poised to pull away. But the offense quickly went cold and when Evan Fournier connected on a 3-pointer with 3:05 left in the quarter the lead was down to 65-59 — a 12-4 run by the hosts.
And with a chance to go up double-digits headed to the fourth, a big U.S. blunder gave France another jolt of momentum. Anthony Edwards and Durant got their signals crossed on a pass that led to a turnover, Nando De Colo scored to beat the buzzer and the U.S. lead was only 72-66 going into the final 10 minutes.
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