In 16 electrifying days of competition, the 2024 Olympics basketball tournament captivated fans worldwide with unforgettable moments and compelling storylines. Emerging as the outright champion, Team USA clinched their 17th gold medal with a hard-fought 98-87 victory over France in the final, underscoring their dominance in the sport.
France's Surprising Run
One of the tournament's most jaw-dropping surprises came when France defeated Canada in the knockout rounds. The French squad, led by Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, exceeded expectations and showcased their resilience. Wembanyama was particularly outstanding, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Despite Gobert's limiting finger injury, which relegated him to just 21 minutes over France's last three games, the team managed to reach the finals, only to fall short against the star-studded American team.
USA's Path to Glory
Team USA's path to gold was marked by stellar performances and remarkable individual feats. Headlining the narrative was Stephen Curry, who made his much-anticipated Olympic debut in the 2024 tournament. Although he started off slowly, scoring only 12 points in the first four games, Curry found his rhythm when it mattered most. In a breathtaking semifinal encounter against Serbia, Curry exploded for 36 points, guiding his team to the final.
In the gold-medal match against France, Curry continued to dazzle. He contributed 24 points, including four consecutive three-pointers in the final moments that cemented the victory for Team USA. Notably, Curry scored 12 straight points in the final game, demonstrating his clutch abilities on the world's biggest stage.
Supporting Cast Shines
While Curry's heroics captured headlines, the contributions of his teammates were equally vital. Devin Booker, who is entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, averaged 11.7 points per game and impressively shot 56.5% from beyond the arc during the Olympics. Coach Steve Kerr lauded Booker, saying, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Booker's adaptability and selflessness were crucial for Team USA's balanced attack. His newfound playmaking skills, highlighted by a career-high 6.3 assists per game last season in the NBA, further underscored his evolution as a versatile player. However, on the defensive end and throughout key moments, Anthony Edwards' limited minutes were a curious storyline, as he played just 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds.
Serbia's Resurgence
Not to be overlooked, Serbia's journey to a podium finish was powered by the indomitable Nikola Jokic. Jokic steered Serbia to its first medal since 2016, capping off an impressive run with a laudable performance. Their campaign, punctuated by their semifinal clash with Team USA, solidified Serbia's position among basketball's elite international teams.
A New Era for the Warriors
Beyond the Olympic festivities, the landscape of the NBA is also on the cusp of significant changes. The Golden State Warriors, a team synonymous with championship success, are set to embark on a new era without sharpshooter Klay Thompson. This transition period will undoubtedly be a focal point of interest as the team looks to navigate its future without one of its core players.
As the dust settles on an exhilarating Olympic tournament, basketball fans can reflect on the thrilling moments and individual brilliance that defined the 2024 games. Whether it was France's unexpected run, Serbia's resurgence, or Team USA's triumphant return to the top, the tournament offered a blend of drama, talent, and sheer excitement that will be remembered for years to come.