Paris Olympics 2024 Basketball Review: USA Triumphs Over France in Thrilling Double-Bill Finals
Paris Olympics 2024 Basketball Preview: A heartbreaking loss for France marked the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, when the United States won gold in both the men’s and women’s basketball categories.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Derrick White, and Tyrese Haliburton were among the NBA players that starred and helped the United States win, enthralling basketball fans all over the world.
In both the men’s and women’s basketball competitions, the reigning champion United States emerged victorious at the Olympics, leaving fans in awe and igniting a positive rivalry with France.
As teams competed for a spot in the quarterfinals, the group stage in northern France transformed into a basketball paradise, with Lille’s Pierre Mauroy stadium crammed with enthusiastic spectators.
While Brazil and Puerto Rico represented Latin America while Japan and China represented Asia, South Sudan and Nigeria showcased the abilities of the African continent.
But the real fight started in Paris at the Bercy Arena, where France put up a valiant fight to keep the United States from winning more medals.
The men’s team from the United States proved their mettle when they defeated Brazil in the round of eight. However, they struggled to overcome Serbia, who are led by three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, and needed a furious comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat their fierce opponents.
The hosts’ route to the championship game, where they defeated Canada and Germany, was largely paved by Victor Wembanyama, the first French player to be selected first overall in the NBA draft.
In the meantime, France advanced to the semifinals in the women’s race after defeating Belgium and Germany with ease, led by Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes.
Nigeria, the first African team to go to the quarterfinals, put up a fierce fight against the U.S. women. However, Breanna Stewart’s outstanding performance helped the team overcome Australia in the semifinals.
There was going to be a thrilling doubleheader between the United States and a determined France in two exciting finals. Diana Taurasi won her sixth Olympic gold medal as the American women narrowly defeated France 67-66 in the final to clinch an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic title.
The U.S. men’s team exceeded expectations the day before, defeating France 98-87 behind a brilliant effort from Stephen Curry, who drained four three-pointers in the last minutes to win the team’s fifth straight gold. LeBron James was also impressive.
Even though the American greats found the Paris Games challenging, they demonstrated their strength and are still highly sought-after in Los Angeles.
Brittney Griner’s Emotional Journey to Basketball Gold
Griner, a well-known supporter of the LGBT+ community, was detained at the airport upon her arrival in Russia in February 2022 while she was competing with Yekaterinburg in the Russian championship.
As the “Star Spangled Banner” played, Brittney Griner couldn’t help but cry as she stood with her USA teammates, commemorating their Olympic women’s basketball victory over France.
When the WNBA star was jailed in Russia for nine months in 2022, it was not a moment she could have imagined.
After leading the United States to an incredible 67-66 victory over France to win the Olympic women’s basketball gold medal for the eighth time in a row, Griner said, “It means everything to me.”
“I didn’t anticipate being here,” she remarked. “This is the highest, having the opportunity to play for gold, represent my country, and give back to what my country did for me.” This is the apex right here.
Griner, a well-known supporter of the LGBT+ community, was detained at the airport upon her arrival in Russia in February 2022 while she was competing with Yekaterinburg in the Russian championship.
In December of that year, she was freed as part of a well-known prisoner swap. Her experience has led her to become an advocate for US nationals detained abroad, stating that her third Olympic gold medal is “more dear to my heart than the other ones, for sure.”
The formidable 2.06-meter-tall 33-year-old revealed during group stage play that she now has a newfound appreciation for the unremarkable elements of her sport. She remarked, “I just cherish every moment I can right now.” Griner’s return to the pinnacle of her sport was hailed by US veteran Diana Taurasi as “mind boggling.”
Taurasi remarked, “She has experienced a lot in the last three years.” It literally blows your mind that she was able to return to this position considering where she was three years ago.
It demonstrates BG’s character and the extent of BG’s fandom. She has, in my opinion, the largest heart of anyone I have ever met. She is so adored by so many because she genuinely cares about others.
