Team USA continued its dominance in men’s Olympic basketball, defeating France 98-87 in the final to secure its fifth consecutive gold medal. Despite the victory, the game underscored a growing rivalry, with France’s young star Victor Wembanyama hinting at future challenges that could disrupt America’s long-standing supremacy.
The American team, packed with NBA MVPs, champions, and All-Stars, delivered a strong performance. Steph Curry led the charge, sinking eight crucial three-pointers that helped maintain the U.S. lead throughout the game. However, France proved to be a formidable opponent, repeatedly narrowing the gap and keeping the pressure on Team USA until the final moments. The French team, earning its second consecutive and fourth overall Olympic silver medal, showcased their growing strength and potential, particularly through the efforts of Wembanyama.
BREAKING NEWS! The Team USA Basketball Gold Medal card featuring Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant has become the most printed on-demand card from @Topps — surpassing the Victor Wembanyama Rookie of the Year card, which sold 113,777 copies.
Each purchase of the card… pic.twitter.com/i3OLcvQUHX
— Cardhedger (@cardhedger) August 16, 2024
Victor Wembanyama, the 20-year-old phenom who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and later named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, demonstrated why he is considered one of the most promising young talents in the sport. In the Olympic final, he scored an impressive 26 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and added two assists, going toe-to-toe with some of the greatest players in basketball history, including Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
After the game, Wembanyama spoke to Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News, hinting at the potential for a shift in the balance of power in international basketball. “I’m learning, and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple of years,” he said, suggesting that both NBA and FIBA competitors should be on alert. When asked if he was referring to specific leagues, Wembanyama confidently responded, “everywhere.”
Victor Wembanyama warns opponents ‘everywhere’ after gold medal loss to USA https://t.co/t3DK27rp7y via @Yahoo. Maybe he should play in France and not the NBA
— Bella The Beast (@Bella_The_Beast) August 13, 2024
This statement, coupled with his performance, signals that Team USA’s dominance in Olympic basketball may face significant challenges in the near future. Wembanyama’s talent and determination, combined with the rising stars of French basketball, could very well disrupt America’s reign when the Games return to U.S. soil in Los Angeles in 2028.
The French national team is not just about Wembanyama. It is a rapidly ascending program filled with young talent. Alongside Wembanyama, France has Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks from the 2024 NBA draft, who are expected to make substantial contributions in the coming years. These players represent a new generation of French basketball that is determined to challenge the traditional powerhouses like the United States.
The 2024 Paris Olympics may have ended in another gold medal for Team USA, but the French team’s resilience and emerging talent have ignited a rivalry that could redefine the future of Olympic basketball. As the Americans celebrate their victory, they are also aware that the competition is intensifying. The French team’s performance, particularly Wembanyama’s, suggests that the gap between the two nations is narrowing, and the 2028 Los Angeles Games could very well be a turning point.
Since NBA players were first allowed to compete in the Olympics in 1992, the United States has been the dominant force, losing gold only once, in Athens 2004. However, with the rise of international stars like Wembanyama and the increasing competitiveness of teams like France, the future of Olympic basketball looks more uncertain and exciting than ever.
Key Points:
i. Team USA won its fifth consecutive Olympic gold in men’s basketball, defeating France 98-87.
ii. France’s Victor Wembanyama, at 20 years old, stood out with 26 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
iii. Wembanyama hinted at a future challenge to Team USA’s dominance, stating opponents should be “worried.”
iv. France’s rising stars, including Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr, are expected to make an impact in the 2028 Olympics.
v. The game underscored a growing rivalry between Team USA and France, setting the stage for future competition.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
