After trailing for much of the game, Team USA star Steph Curry stepped up in the clutch, hitting a series of crucial 3-pointers in the closing minutes to lead the team to a 98-87 victory over France in the gold medal match of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Team USA overcame a slow start and a determined French team to capture their fifth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar, played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 24 points on 3-pointers, including four in the final minutes.
Steph Curry's Late Heroics Secure Team USA's Fifth Consecutive Gold Medal
With Team USA trailing by three points with just under three minutes remaining, Curry took control of the game. He shook off French defender Guerschon Yabusele and drained a 3-pointer to give the United States a six-point lead.
Curry's confidence soared after that shot, and he continued to hit big shots down the stretch. His fourth 3-pointer in the closing minutes, with six seconds remaining on the shot clock, all but sealed the victory for Team USA.
Steph Curry's Late Heroics Secure Team USA's Fifth Consecutive Gold Medal
After the game, Curry expressed his joy and relief at winning his first Olympic gold medal. "This ranks very high in terms of the excitement and sense of relief getting to the finish line," he told NBC's Mike Tirico.
The win marked Curry's first Olympic gold medal, adding to his impressive trophy case that includes four NBA championships, two NBA MVP awards, and an NBA Finals MVP award.
Steph Curry's Late Heroics Secure Team USA's Fifth Consecutive Gold Medal
Other Team USA stars also contributed significantly to the victory. Kevin Durant scored 15 points, while Devin Booker and LeBron James added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
France, led by 19-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama, put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short. Wembanyama, who is projected to be the number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, finished with 26 points and seven rebounds.
Team USA's victory extends their dominance in international basketball, and they remain the undisputed kings of the sport. The win also marks a fitting end to a memorable Olympics for the United States, who have now won four gold medals in men's basketball and women's basketball.
For Steph Curry, the gold medal represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. He has now achieved every major accolade in basketball, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is cemented.
