by Game Overview
Team USA faced off against France in the gold medal game of men’s basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics, held in Paris. The match concluded with a final score of 98-87, marking the United States’ fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in this sport.
The game began with a competitive first half, where Team USA held a slim lead. The score was 49-41 in favor of Team USA heading into halftime, with both teams showcasing strong performances. Yabusele led France at the half with 15 points, while Team USA’s offense was spearheaded by Stephen Curry, who would later prove pivotal in the game’s outcome.
Key Players
Stephen Curry
Curry was the standout player for Team USA, scoring a total of 24 points, all from three-point range. Curry successfully made eight shots from beyond the arc with four pivotal threes in the final three minutes. The final shot would’ve been considered a “prayer” for most people considering the fact that it was a fadeaway over two defenders, but it’s Stephen Curry. His clutch shooting was instrumental in maintaining the lead against a resilient French team that attempted a late-game comeback.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant
LeBron James contributed significantly with 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, demonstrating his all-around game. Kevin Durant added 15 points, further solidifying the offensive strength of the American squad.
Victor Wembanyama
For France, Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted NBA rookie, led his team with 26 points. His performance kept France within striking distance, particularly in the fourth quarter when they narrowed the deficit to just three points. Despite their efforts, France could not complete the comeback, largely due to Curry’s shooting prowess. It is safe to say that Victor will become one of the best players in the world very soon. He has a feel for the game that most young players don’t have, and it will be a special thing to pay attention to in the future.
Final Quarter Dynamics
The final quarter was tense, with France rallying to close the gap. However, Curry’s timely three-pointers and the overall depth of Team USA’s roster allowed them to fend off the challenge and secure the victory. The game concluded with a score of 98-87, affirming Team USA’s dominance in Olympic basketball
Overall team analysis
Here’s the part where I pay my respects to the other members of team USA because without them, none of this is possible. Bam, Ant, Jrue, White, AD, Haliburton (even though he was on the bench most of the time), along with Jayson Tatum, who was questionably benched for multiple games as well. Joel Embiid made me eat my words when I said he could possibly be the odd man out, he showed up in the final two games and was a huge reason for getting here. I also must acknowledge Devin Booker, who took a much lesser role than he is used to and flourished in it. He showcased his willingness to sacrifice, and may be the unsung hero of the team and this served evident on the way to gold. All of these players played in role no matter the amount of playing time and I’m here to pay respect.
Conclusion
With this victory, Team USA not only claimed the gold medal but also continued its legacy of excellence in Olympic basketball by capturing their 5th straight gold medal. And congratulations to Lebron James who won MVP. This match was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams, particularly highlighting the remarkable talents of players like Curry and Wembanyama. The win further cements the United States’ position as a powerhouse in international basketball competitions.
