The United States men's basketball team clinched the gold medal in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, prevailing over France with a definitive 98-87 victory. The triumph marks another milestone for a team that has faced numerous challenges and scrutiny throughout the tournament but ultimately solidified its status as the best in the world.
Stephen Curry Shines
Stephen Curry's electrifying performance was the cornerstone of Team USA's success. Curry was in impeccable form, sinking eight 3-point shots and racking up a game-high 24 points. His contributions were especially significant in the fourth quarter, where he added 12 crucial points to seal the victory. Reflecting on the achievement, Curry shared, "Two years ago, when we won our last [NBA] championship, I knew that this was going to be on the horizon as something I was excited to go after. ... These last five weeks together with this group has been nothing but '1-2-3 gold.' That's all we've been saying. So, for us to finally accomplish that, for me to get a gold medal is insane."
A Team Effort
Beyond Curry's standout performance, the road to gold was paved with both individual brilliance and collective resilience. Throughout the tournament, Coach Steve Kerr's rotations drew scrutiny from analysts and fans alike. This included benching star player Jayson Tatum in multiple games, a move that, though controversial, ultimately proved successful as the team showed depth and versatility on the court.
Close Encounters and Critical Victories
The journey wasn't smooth sailing for Team USA. The team faced a near-upset in a warm-up game against South Sudan, a match that served as a wake-up call and an opportunity to address vulnerabilities before the Olympic fixtures began in full earnest. The semifinal clash against Serbia was another nail-biter, reminding everyone that the path to the podium is fraught with challenges.
LeBron James' Historic Achievement
Adding another layer of significance to this Olympic run was LeBron James' historic performance. James recorded a triple-double during the tournament—making him only the fourth player in Olympic history to achieve such a feat. This accomplishment, alongside securing the gold, caps what is likely to be his final Olympic appearance, as both he and Kevin Durant contemplate stepping away from the international stage after this monumental achievement.
Team USA's triumph in the 2024 Olympics was as much a testament to the players' skill as it was to their determination. With significant contributions from veterans like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, supported by Steve Kerr's tactical acumen, the team overcame hurdles and criticisms to once again claim their place at the pinnacle of international basketball.