The United States clinched their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball by defeating France 98-87 in the final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday. This victory marks the US team’s 17th Olympic gold in the sport, showcasing their continued dominance in Olympic basketball.
In a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 final, LeBron James led a US squad packed with NBA stars against a strong French team, which included the impressive NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.Despite a fierce comeback by France, the US maintained their lead to secure the win.
France narrowed a 14-point deficit to just three points with over three minutes left, highlighted by a powerful dunk from Wembanyama. However, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry responded with a series of clutch three-pointers, including one over Wembanyama, ensuring the US victory.
“You just simply marvel,” AFP quoted James about Curry’s late-game performance. “Having him on your side, you just try to get stops and figure out other ways on the other end but keep finding him, keep getting him the ball.”
Curry, who ended the game with 24 points and eight three-pointers, commented, “I was just trying to settle us down. All we wanted to do was get a good shot.”
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each added 15 points to the American tally, while James contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. This triumph gives Durant a US men’s record fourth Olympic gold medal.
Reflecting on the victory, Curry said, “It wasn’t easy but, damn, I’m excited, man. This is everything that I wanted it to be and more.”
France’s Wembanyama, who led his team with 26 points, acknowledged the loss but expressed optimism for the future. “I will be going for gold in four years’ time,” he said, referring to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Earlier in the day, Serbia secured the bronze medal by defeating World Cup champions Germany with a 93-83 victory. Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, led the team with a triple-double, scoring 19 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists.
The Paris Olympics basketball tournament will be remembered for its intense competition and the continuation of the US men’s basketball team’s Olympic dominance, with a star-studded roster delivering when it mattered most.
In a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 final, LeBron James led a US squad packed with NBA stars against a strong French team, which included the impressive NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.Despite a fierce comeback by France, the US maintained their lead to secure the win.
France narrowed a 14-point deficit to just three points with over three minutes left, highlighted by a powerful dunk from Wembanyama. However, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry responded with a series of clutch three-pointers, including one over Wembanyama, ensuring the US victory.
“You just simply marvel,” AFP quoted James about Curry’s late-game performance. “Having him on your side, you just try to get stops and figure out other ways on the other end but keep finding him, keep getting him the ball.”
Curry, who ended the game with 24 points and eight three-pointers, commented, “I was just trying to settle us down. All we wanted to do was get a good shot.”
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each added 15 points to the American tally, while James contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. This triumph gives Durant a US men’s record fourth Olympic gold medal.
Reflecting on the victory, Curry said, “It wasn’t easy but, damn, I’m excited, man. This is everything that I wanted it to be and more.”
France’s Wembanyama, who led his team with 26 points, acknowledged the loss but expressed optimism for the future. “I will be going for gold in four years’ time,” he said, referring to the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Earlier in the day, Serbia secured the bronze medal by defeating World Cup champions Germany with a 93-83 victory. Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, led the team with a triple-double, scoring 19 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists.
The Paris Olympics basketball tournament will be remembered for its intense competition and the continuation of the US men’s basketball team’s Olympic dominance, with a star-studded roster delivering when it mattered most.
