*Team USA has once again proven their dominance in men’s basketball by clinching their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, defeating host nation France 98-87 in a hard-fought final at the Paris Olympics held in Bercy Arena.
This triumph not only underscores the United States’ supremacy in the sport but also marks a historic achievement for Kevin Durant, who secured his fourth gold medal – the most by any male basketball player in Olympic history.
The United States showcased its determination and focus, leading almost the entire game. Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry, all potential future Hall of Famers, made crucial plays, especially in the game’s closing moments to maintain their edge against a resilient French team. France, led by budding superstar Victor Wembanyama, managed to cut a significant double-digit deficit to just three points with 2:58 left on the clock.
However, it was Steph Curry who turned the tide in Team USA’s favor with a series of stunning three-pointers. Just ten seconds after Wembanyama’s bucket tightened the score, Curry responded with a three-pointer, doubling Team USA’s lead. He continued to shine, hitting another three with 1:53 remaining and a spectacular high-arcing shot over a Wembanyama double team with just 35 seconds left, essentially signaling “good night” to the French crowd.
Curry ended the game with an impressive 24 points and five assists, hitting eight critical three-pointers. This followed his phenomenal performance in the semifinals against Serbia, where his nine three-pointers were pivotal in overcoming a 17-point deficit, leading to a come-from-behind victory against the team’s star player, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
Team USA’s journey to gold wasn’t without its challenges. The team had to navigate past formidable opponents in the knockout stages, including Jokic’s Serbia and the towering presence of Wembanyama. Despite these hurdles, their resilience and star-studded roster prevailed.
“We knew we were going to be challenged,” noted LeBron James. “We knew it was going to be the toughest game up to date.”
This era of basketball success speaks volumes, especially when contrasted with the famed 1992 Dream Team. That historic squad, revered for revolutionizing the sport globally, consisted of 11 NBA players in a tournament where the entire non-American field had just nine NBA athletes. Their opponents in the semifinals and finals tallied a mere three NBA stars, notes the Wall Street Journal.
However, the Dream Team’s legacy sparked a global basketball revolution. This year, the sport saw unprecedented international representation with 69 players on non-American teams. Team USA’s victory in Paris wasn’t just about preserving their legacy; it was a testament to their ability to adapt and excel in an increasingly competitive global basketball landscape.
In sum, Team USA‘s victory over France not only added to their illustrious history but also highlighted how far the sport has come since the early ‘90s. Despite the tougher, more globalized competition, the United States continues to stand at the pinnacle of international basketball, proving its mettle yet again at the Paris Olympics.
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