Over the course of 16 days, basketball talents from around the globe competed in thrilling matches that included France’s surprising victory over Canada in the knockout stages and Nikola Jokic leading Serbia to its first medal since 2016.
Team USA’s star-studded squad capped off a remarkable Olympic journey on Saturday, securing their 17th gold medal with a 98-87 victory against France in the championship game.
As the 2024 Olympics draw to a close, let’s examine some of the key NBA narratives from men’s basketball, including Curry’s return, Victor Wembanyama’s Olympic debut, and Team USA’s unexpected MVP.
In the final moments of the gold medal game between Team USA and France, basketball fans, especially those of the Golden State Warriors and Curry, experienced a moment that felt all too familiar. In a fiercely contested match that reached its climax in the fourth quarter, the U.S. saw its double-digit lead dwindle to just three points with three minutes remaining.
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Amidst the high stakes, Curry, accustomed to pressure, sunk four consecutive three-pointers, including a pivotal pull-up shot that secured the victory and inspired his “night night” celebration.
Though Curry faced challenges in the early stages of the Olympics, netting only 12 points in the first four games, he rose to the occasion when it counted most, scoring 36 points in the semifinals against Serbia and 24 in the final, with 12 consecutive points to clinch the gold.
Throughout his inaugural Olympic experience, Curry exuded a joyful energy that had been missing in recent NBA seasons.
With the new NBA season approaching, the Warriors hope that Curry’s rejuvenated spirit will positively impact their franchise as they embark on a new chapter without Klay Thompson.
Now, more than ever, the success of the Warriors hinges on Curry’s ability to inspire his teammates. — Kendra Andrews
Stephen Curry contributed 36 points in the semifinal against Serbia and led Team USA with 24 points in the gold medal game against France on Saturday. (Photo by Aytac Unal/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Wemby’s impressive Olympic showing won’t be his last
Victor Wembanyama’s inaugural Olympic experience did not conclude as he had hoped. As he walked off the court on Saturday night in Paris, tears welled in his eyes, marking the most significant game of his young career. This was his opportunity to secure a gold medal for his home country while competing on familiar ground against Team USA, a team filled with extraordinary talent—an unprecedented chance for the NBA Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, France fell short.
Wembanyama left it all on the floor, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game; however, he could not overcome the formidable U.S. team. Nevertheless, Wembanyama will have future opportunities to reach the gold medal game again—by the time the Los Angeles Olympics arrive, he will be 24, and the young French star will continue to develop in the NBA until then.
Victor Wembanyama led France in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the 2024 Olympics and tallied 26 points against Team USA in the gold medal match. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
France’s head coach Vincent Collet demonstrated his commitment to securing gold by adapting his strategy. Despite Rudy Gobert, the NBA’s reigning four-time Defensive Player of the Year, suffering from a finger injury that limited him to just 21 minutes in France’s final three games, Collet opted for a smaller lineup.
Could there be a France-USA trilogy in Los Angeles? Wembanyama led France in points, rebounds, and assists this summer; if he maintains his impressive trajectory from his rookie season, the outcome in four years could be different. — Andrew Lopez
Devin Booker’s adjusted role
A consistent All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker found himself in coach Steve Kerr’s crucial final lineup, playing alongside superstars Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James. Following the gold medal win, Kerr emphasized Booker’s crucial contributions.
“Devin was incredible. He completely transformed his role from the NBA to this team,” Kerr remarked. “He was essentially our unsung MVP.”
Devin Booker averaged 11.7 points during the 2024 Olympics and is heading into his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns, now under the leadership of new head coach Mike Budenholzer. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Typically a high scorer, Booker averaged just 11.7 points per game during the Olympics, fewer than teammate Anthony Edwards, who was a reserve. Yet during the medal rounds, Edwards’ playing time diminished to a total of merely 23 minutes, in contrast to Booker’s 52 minutes. Not only did Booker act as Team USA’s primary perimeter defender in the gold medal clash, but he also created space on the floor, shooting 56.5% on three-pointers (13-of-23).
This performance might not directly transfer to the NBA, where new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer will likely expect Booker to create more shots. However, if point guard Tyus Jones’s addition allows Booker to adopt a more off-ball role after achieving a career-high average of 6.3 assists per game last season, it could enhance Booker’s efficiency to match what was displayed in Paris. — Kevin Pelton
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2024 Olympic Basketball Recap: Team USA Clinches Gold as Curry Shines and Wembanyama Emerges
Overview of the 2024 Olympics Basketball Tournament
The 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament held in Paris was nothing short of thrilling. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, Team USA showcased their dominance on the court, ultimately clinching the gold medal. This year’s competition highlighted the extraordinary talents of Stephen Curry and the emergence of Victor Wembanyama as a force to be reckoned with in international basketball.
Team USA’s Journey to Gold
Team USA entered the tournament as favorites, and their performance throughout the games reaffirmed their status as the powerhouse in basketball. Here’s a breakdown of their journey to gold:
- Group Stage: Team USA went undefeated in the group stage, facing tough competition from teams like Spain and Australia.
- Semi-Finals: In a nail-biting semi-final match against Slovenia, Curry delivered a stunning 45-point performance, leading his team to a 98-92 victory.
- Gold Medal Game: The final against France was a display of tactical prowess and sheer skill, with Team USA winning 101-88.
Highlighting Stephen Curry’s Performance
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar, proved once again why he is one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. His performance throughout the tournament was sensational:
Key Stats
| Game | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage vs. Spain | 32 | 6 | 5 |
| Group Stage vs. Australia | 28 | 8 | 3 |
| Semi-Finals vs. Slovenia | 45 | 5 | 4 |
| Final vs. France | 36 | 7 | 2 |
Curry’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc was a key factor in Team USA’s success. His leadership on the court and clutch shooting helped secure many late-game victories, making him a fan favorite and a pivotal figure in the tournament.
Victor Wembanyama: The Rising Star
Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-2 French phenom, emerged as a standout player in the 2024 Olympics. His unique combination of size, skill, and agility caught everyone’s attention, and he played a critical role in the French team’s impressive run.
Wembanyama’s Impact on the Tournament
- Defensive Prowess: Wembanyama’s ability to protect the rim made it difficult for opposing teams to score in the paint.
- Offensive Versatility: He showcased a range of skills, including shooting, passing, and post moves, making him a nightmare for defenders.
- Team Leadership: Despite being one of the youngest players in the tournament, he displayed maturity and composure, leading his team to the silver medal.
Notable Matches of the Tournament
Several matches in the 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament were particularly memorable. Here are a few highlights:
- USA vs. Slovenia: A thrilling semi-final where Curry’s explosion of points turned the tide in favor of Team USA.
- France vs. Spain: A hard-fought battle where Wembanyama recorded a double-double, showcasing his all-around game.
- Gold Medal Game: The atmosphere was electric as Team USA faced France, with fans eager to see if the home team could upset the Americans.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Olympics
The 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament provided valuable insights into the future of basketball. Here are some key takeaways:
Emerging Talents
- Young players like Victor Wembanyama are changing the landscape of basketball with their skills and athleticism.
- International teams are becoming increasingly competitive, challenging the traditional dominance of Team USA.
The Importance of Experience
- Veteran players like Curry showcased that experience is crucial in high-pressure situations.
- Team chemistry played a vital role in Team USA’s success, emphasizing the need for cohesive gameplay.
Benefits of Following Olympic Basketball
Watching Olympic basketball offers numerous benefits for fans and aspiring players alike:
- Global Perspective: Experience different playing styles from around the world, enhancing your understanding of the game.
- Inspiration: Witnessing top athletes perform can motivate young players to improve their skills.
- Community Engagement: Olympic events often bring communities together, fostering a love for the sport.
First-Hand Experiences from Players
Players from Team USA and other national teams shared their experiences during the tournament:
Stephen Curry
“Representing your country on such a big stage is an honor. The energy of the fans and the competition is something I’ll never forget.”
Victor Wembanyama
“Playing in front of my home crowd was incredible. This experience has motivated me to continue working hard and improving my game.”
Conclusion
The 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament not only showcased the best players in the world but also highlighted the future of the sport. With Stephen Curry leading Team USA to gold and Victor Wembanyama emerging as a new star, the stage is set for exciting developments in basketball in the coming years.
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