Team USA Clinches Fifth Straight Olympic Gold in Men’s Basketball with Victory Over France

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Team USA secured its fifth consecutive gold medal in men’s basketball with a hard-fought 98-87 victory over France. The matchup, which took place at Bercy Arena in Paris, was a showcase of basketball brilliance, featuring some of the game’s biggest stars and rising talents.

The spotlight shone brightly on Stephen Curry, who delivered a performance for the ages. Scoring 24 points on a dazzling 8-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc, Curry finally added an Olympic gold medal to his illustrious career—a glaring omission until now. Known for his ability to drain impossible shots, Curry didn’t disappoint in the gold medal game, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he hit four clutch 3-pointers in a two-minute stretch. His final shot, a ridiculous fall-away bomb over two defenders, silenced the French crowd and prompted Curry to break out his trademark “put them to sleep” celebration.

“Before every shot you take, you think it’s going in,” Curry said postgame. “All I saw was the rim. I didn’t see who was in front of me. I knew it was kind of a late clock situation, but that one impressed myself.”

This performance capped off a stellar Olympic campaign for Curry, who had faced criticism earlier in the tournament for his inconsistent shooting. After making just 5-of-20 three-pointers and averaging seven points heading into the semifinals, Curry erupted in the final two games, scoring 60 points in total—an Olympic record over a two-game span for a U.S. men’s player.

While Curry was the star of the night, LeBron James and Kevin Durant also left their mark on the game. James, who finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists, was named Olympic MVP. This gold medal was James’ fourth Olympic medal (three golds and one bronze), adding to his already impressive collection of accolades, which includes four NBA MVPs and four Finals MVPs.

“I’m just living in the moment, super humble that I can still play this game and play it at a high level,” James reflected. “It came with us winning gold, and that’s what’s more important for me. It’s pretty cool.”

Durant, who scored 15 points in the final, made history by becoming the first American male basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals. His consistent scoring and leadership throughout the tournament were critical to Team USA’s success.

On the other side of the court, France put up a valiant fight, led by rising superstar Victor Wembanyama. The 7’4” phenom, who had already captivated the basketball world with his Rookie of the Year campaign, continued to impress on the Olympic stage. Wembanyama scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing his unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism. Despite his heroics, France fell just short of securing their first gold medal, settling for silver for the second consecutive Olympics.

Wembanyama was visibly emotional after the loss, knowing how close his team had come to upsetting the powerhouse U.S. squad. “Nobody’s going to take [this experience] from me,” Wembanyama said. “I’m learning, and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple of years.”

The French team, which also received 20 points from Guerschon Yabusele, used relentless pressure defense to keep the game close, forcing 17 turnovers from the Americans. Their spirited play, particularly in the second half, ensured that Team USA could never relax, making every possession crucial.

While the defeat was heartbreaking for France, the future of their national team looks incredibly bright. Wembanyama, along with emerging talents like Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr, who were the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, respectively, will be key figures for France in the coming years. As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, France will undoubtedly be a team to watch, with Wembanyama likely leading the charge.

For Team USA, the victory in Paris reaffirms their dominance on the global stage. Despite the growing talent pool worldwide, the Americans have proven that when they bring their best, they are nearly impossible to beat. The combination of seasoned veterans like James and Durant, alongside sharpshooters like Curry and rising stars such as Devin Booker and Anthony Davis, provided a perfect blend of experience and talent.

As the Americans celebrated their victory, one thing was clear: Team USA remains the gold standard in international basketball, and their legacy continues to grow with each passing Olympics. With Paris 2024 in the books, all eyes will now turn to Los Angeles 2028, where the world will once again try to dethrone the reigning champions. But for now, the gold belongs to Team USA, and the basketball world is left in awe of their greatness.