Paris 2024 Olympics: USA Clinches Fifth Consecutive Gold in Basketball with Victory over France 98-87

In men’s basketball, the USA remained unstoppable and extended their Olympic gold streak to 17 games in spite of France’s best attempts.

With 3 minutes and 4 seconds remaining, France narrowed the gap to three points, but the United States came storming back with to three-point shooter Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and two clutch free throws from Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. Curry led the US in scoring with 24 points and finished with eight three-pointers.

James scored 14 points with six rebounds, ten assists, a steal, a block, and contributions from Durant and Devin Booker, who each contributed 15 points.

It was Durant’s fourth Olympic gold medal in a row. In his debut Olympic game, Curry—a four-time NBA champion—claimed his first, while James earned his third.

With 26 points, Wembanyama had his most productive offensive performance of the Olympics. Isaia Cordinier, whose offensive contributions were crucial to France’s comeback following a close victory over Japan and a humiliating loss to Germany in group play, was held scoreless despite Guerschon Yabusele’s 20 points.

The United States had a 31-9 edge in fast-break points while France was only successful on nine out of thirty three-point attempts. Ten lead changes in a tight first half saw both teams locked up defensively.

With a spectacular dunk, Wembanyama gave France an 11–10 lead and enthralled the Bercy Arena audience. James’s behind-the-back pass to Booker for a layup and James’ steal of the ball to release Jayson Tatum for a slam put the Americans up once more.

After trailing five points after the first quarter, France rallied for a 25–24 lead thanks to a dunk by Bilal Coubilaly, but the US kept making easy baskets in transition as France missed shots.

The US was up 37-31 at the half as James broke through traffic for a layup, drew a foul, and showed off for the US bench before making the free throw.

An array of notables attended the dream final. Along with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, a number of former NBA players, including Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, Scottie Pippen, and Tony Parker of France, were present.

Short course sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was present in the court, one day after leading the US 4x100m relay to victory.

James gave advance notice of his plans. He warmed up before the game, went to the floor for the formal introductions in his golden shoes, and dunk to start the scoring.

Curry started out slowly but picked up steam in the second half to lead the United States to a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Serbia in the semifinals. Curry finished with 36 points.

Early in the third quarter, he sank two more step-back three-pointers over Cordinier to give the US their largest lead of the game, 61-47.

France persisted in applying pressure. After dishing off a three-pointer to Evan Fournier, Nando De Colo stole the ball and raced to the hoop, bringing France within six points. At the start of the fourth quarter, the score was 72–66.

But despite everything France threw at them, the US came up with a solution, and they concluded the evening united, celebrating under US flags at center court. Serbia defeated World Cup winner Germany 93-83 earlier on Saturday to win bronze.

Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic led Serbia, who recovered in less than forty hours following a devastating 95-91 loss to the United States in the semi-finals, with a triple double of 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.