The 2024 Paris Olympics brought thrilling basketball action, with the U.S. men’s team securing gold, but not without a challenge from Serbia. Serbia, powered by NBA stars Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, took control early, leading by double digits for most of the game. Their sharpshooting from beyond the arc put immense pressure on the U.S., keeping the American squad on the back foot.
Facing adversity, the U.S. men’s team, featuring the star trio of LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, refused to let their Olympic journey end in disappointment. Their combined experience and skill came to the fore as they orchestrated a stunning comeback.
LeBron’s leadership, Durant’s scoring ability, and Curry’s clutch shooting turned the tide, helping the U.S. erase the deficit and ultimately win the game 95-91. Joel Embiid also played a pivotal role, hitting timely mid-range jumpers that kept the U.S. in contention during critical moments.
The final match against France was another nail-biter. With the home crowd at their backs, the French team, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama and veteran Guerschon Yabusele, pushed the U.S. to its limits. France managed to overcome several double-digit deficits and pulled within three points late in the fourth quarter, threatening to upset the American squad.
As the pressure mounted, Steph Curry once again demonstrated why he is one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. Curry drilled four consecutive three-pointers, including a breathtaking shot over a double team, sealing the victory for the U.S. and securing the gold medal. This performance capped off what was likely the last Olympic appearance for this legendary trio, making their victory even more memorable.
U.S. Women’s Basketball: A Narrow Escape to Gold
Less than 24 hours after the men’s triumph, the U.S. women’s basketball team took the court and faced off against France in a game that would prove just as dramatic. The U.S. women’s team extended its dominance on the global stage by winning their eighth consecutive gold medal, a feat that surpassed the U.S. men’s record of seven straight golds from 1936 to 1968.
The 61st consecutive victory in Olympic Games play was secured by the narrowest of margins, with the U.S. eking out a 67-66 win over the host nation.
The game was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to score. The 67 points scored by the U.S. were the fewest ever in a gold medal-winning effort, breaking the previous low of 74 points set by the U.S. in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The French defense was relentless, forcing the U.S. into tough shots and capitalizing on 19 American turnovers, which resulted in 14 points for France. Despite these challenges, the U.S. managed to hold on to their lead, withstanding a late push from France that nearly ended their historic win streak.
A’ja Wilson was the standout player for the U.S., delivering a heroic performance with 21 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 1 steal. Her intensity in the second half was crucial as the U.S. clung to their slim lead.
Wilson’s ability to dominate the paint on both ends of the court kept the French team at bay and ensured that the U.S. remained in control during the game’s critical moments.
Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Lonescu also played key roles in the victory. Plum’s 12 points, including two critical three-pointers in the third quarter, helped the U.S. overcome a 10-point deficit – the largest of the game. Lonescu’s playmaking was vital as well, with her three assists keeping the offense flowing and enabling Wilson and Kahleah Copper to take control.
Copper’s second-half surge, where she scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, was instrumental in maintaining the U.S.’s lead as the game seesawed back and forth.
The U.S. Women’s Unyielding Legacy
The U.S. women’s basketball team continues to be a beacon of excellence in international sports, and their victory in Paris was a testament to their resilience and determination. The French crowd at Bercy Arena, waving their flags and chanting “Allez Les Bleus,” created an electrifying atmosphere, hoping to witness a historic upset.
However, the American team’s experience and grit allowed them to overcome the adversity of playing in front of a hostile crowd and secure their place in history with an eighth consecutive gold medal.
The Dream Team Legacy
The original “Dream Team,” featuring legends like Michael Jordan, is often regarded as the greatest basketball team ever assembled. Dominating the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, they won every game by a significant margin, showcasing the sheer talent of players like MJ.
Back then, Bet365 NC betting promos heavily favored Jordan and his Dream Team, as their victory was almost a foregone conclusion. Their unparalleled skill and teamwork set a new standard in international basketball, making them an iconic part of Olympic history.
This legacy of American basketball dominance continues to inspire the current generation of U.S. teams, both men and women.
A Dual Celebration of Excellence: A Legacy Continued
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered for the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams both achieving gold, a testament to the enduring strength and global dominance of American basketball. The men’s team, led by a trio of NBA superstars, overcame stiff competition from Serbia and France to reclaim their place atop the podium.
The women’s team, facing their toughest challenge in decades, held off a determined French squad to extend their unprecedented streak of Olympic success.
The victories in Paris not only highlight the talent and resilience of the U.S. teams but also underscore the growing competitiveness of international basketball.
Teams like Serbia, France, and others have shown that the gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world is narrowing, making for more exciting and unpredictable tournaments. However, the ability of the U.S. teams to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure remains unmatched, solidifying their legacy as the gold standard in Olympic basketball.
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