Basketball: USA pips France to claim fifth straight Olympic gold
The United States secured their fifth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal on Saturday, overcoming a resilient France with a 98-87 victory. The win extends the USA’s tally of Olympic golds in basketball to an impressive 17.
In a highly anticipated rematch of the Tokyo Olympics final, the American team, featuring NBA superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, proved too strong for France, despite the outstanding performance of NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
France made a late push, cutting a 14-point deficit to just three points with 3:04 remaining, thanks to a put-back dunk from Wembanyama. However, Curry responded with a series of clutch three-pointers, including a deep shot over Wembanyama, sealing the victory for the United States. Curry ended the game with 24 points, including eight three-pointers.
LeBron James praised Curry’s heroics, saying, “You just simply marvel. Having him on your side, you just try to get stops and figure out other ways on the other end but keep finding him, keep getting him the ball.”
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker added 15 points each, while James contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. Durant’s gold marked a record fourth Olympic title for him in men’s basketball, while Curry celebrated his first Olympic gold in his debut appearance at the Games.
Wembanyama had his best offensive performance of the tournament, scoring 26 points, with Guerschon Yabusele contributing 20 points for France. Despite their efforts, France struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just nine of 30 three-point attempts, while the USA capitalized with a 31-9 advantage in fast-break points.
The game, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, was a tense battle, featuring 10 lead changes in the first half. The USA pulled ahead in the second half, with Curry’s hot shooting and James’ leadership proving decisive.
After the game, Wembanyama expressed his determination to win gold at the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, saying, “I will be going for gold in four years’ time.”
The United States celebrated their victory draped in flags, capping off another dominant Olympic run in men’s basketball.
(Source: AFP)
