The world of basketball is rapidly evolving, with other countries closing the gap on the United States. However, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Stephen Curry, along with LeBron James and teammates, proved that the U.S. still dominates men’s basketball.
A Fierce Battle Against France
Playing on home soil, the French team fought valiantly like warriors enduring relentless blows. Although the U.S. led by more than 10 points, France, spearheaded by rising star Victor Wembanyama, narrowed the gap to just 3 points in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a tense finish in the gold medal game.
Curry’s Explosive Finale
Up until the last four minutes, Curry had a relatively quiet game, but then he exploded. With a sudden burst of energy, he sank a three-pointer that sent the crowd into a frenzy, extending the lead from three to six points. He didn’t stop there—Curry followed up with another three-pointer and then a third, showcasing his trademark shooting ability. In a stunning performance, he scored 12 points, including four three-pointers, in under three minutes, effectively “knocking out” France and sealing the victory for the United States.
The Decisive Shot
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Curry said, “At that moment, I wasn’t thinking of anything else. It was just a shot that I believed I would make.” His final three-pointer, with just 35 seconds remaining, was not just a regular shot; it was the decisive moment that secured the U.S. its fifth consecutive gold medal in men’s basketball, finishing the game at 98-87. At 36 years old, Curry delivered an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and hitting 8 three-pointers in the final. Following closely behind him, LeBron James made significant contributions with 14 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, and a steal. Together, they kept Team USA strong throughout the fourth quarter, with Curry’s late-game explosion proving crucial.
A Challenging Journey
This Olympic journey marked Curry’s first, and it was not without challenges. He struggled to find his shooting rhythm in earlier games, including one performance where he shot just 1/8 from the field. However, his resilience shone through, especially in the knockout rounds against Serbia and in the final against France, where he scored a total of 60 points and made 17 three-pointers. After winning the gold medal, Curry expressed his gratitude: “This journey wasn’t easy, but I loved it. I can’t complain because I achieved everything I wanted.” While the world may be catching up in basketball, Team USA, with its “Dream Team” roster, remains unmatched in this Olympic competition.
The Future of Basketball
Despite fierce competition from teams like Serbia and France, which demonstrated smart and effective play, the U.S. proved too strong. Whenever France threatened to close the gap, another American star would emerge, whether it was LeBron, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, or of course, Stephen Curry. Head coach Steve Kerr commented, “Every team in this tournament has many stars, but I’m grateful that Team USA has more than the others.” While there may come a day when Team USA faces defeat, that day is not today, as they continue to uphold the gold standard in men’s basketball on the Olympic stage.
