Stephen Curry, after contemplating his next goal two years ago, achieved the final piece of his Olympic aspirations. With the U.S. clinching the gold medal in men’s basketball, Curry ensured his place in history with a standout performance.
In a thrilling final at the Paris Games on Saturday night, Curry led the American team to a 98-87 victory over France. This win marks the fifth consecutive gold medal for the U.S. in Olympic basketball and their 17th gold in 20 Olympic appearances.
“Shorty went crazy”: on Stephen Curry’s last three minutes Saturday night in Paris, as he secured the United States’ fifth straight Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball, as only the greatest shooter in NBA history could do. In @TheAthletic:https://t.co/NB11B1Fyh0
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 11, 2024
Curry was instrumental in the victory, scoring 24 points and making four critical three-pointers in the final minutes. His clutch shooting included a decisive three-pointer with just over a minute left, putting the U.S. ahead 93-84 and sealing the game. He celebrated with a memorable “USA” jersey shake and a dramatic “go to sleep” gesture.
Joining Curry in the victory were Kevin Durant, who scored 15 points, and Devin Booker, who also added 15 points. LeBron James contributed 14 points, wearing gold shoes that symbolized his fourth Olympic medal and third gold.
For the second consecutive Olympics, France was defeated by the U.S., having lost to them 87-82 in Tokyo three years prior. Despite a strong performance from France’s Victor Wembanyama, who scored 26 points, and Guerschon Yabusele with 20 points, they could not overcome the American squad.
USA Males’ Basketball Team Claims Fifth Olympic Gold With Stephen Curry’s Last Minute 3-Pointers https://t.co/JIIwNuxky7 #Paris2024 #Olympics #ParisOlympics2024 @StephenCurry30 getting 12 points in the last 2 and a half minutes! 🤩
— Kareen Liez Datoy (@LiezKareen) August 11, 2024
The game saw the U.S. initially build a 14-point lead in the third quarter, but France mounted a comeback. The French team narrowed the gap to 65-59 after a 12-4 run. A late turnover by the U.S. allowed France’s Nando De Colo to score, reducing the lead to 72-66 going into the fourth quarter. Despite the close score, Curry’s exceptional play ensured the U.S. retained their lead and won the gold.
Key Points:
- Stephen Curry led the U.S. to a 98-87 victory over France, securing Olympic gold in men’s basketball.
- Curry scored 24 points, including crucial three-pointers in the final minutes to seal the win.
- Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each contributed 15 points, while LeBron James added 14.
- France’s Victor Wembanyama, in his Olympic debut, scored 26 points but couldn’t prevent the loss.
- The U.S. won their fifth consecutive gold medal, extending their record to 17 golds in 20 appearances.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
