The 2024 Olympic Games offered basketball enthusiasts some of the most memorable moments across the 16 days of competition, accentuating dramatic victories, individual brilliance, and team triumphs. With Team USA, France, Serbia, and other nations vying for basketball glory, the tournament provided an endless supply of thrilling narratives.
Team USA Clinches Another Gold
Team USA continued its dominance in Olympic basketball by securing their 17th gold medal with a hard-fought 98-87 victory over France in the final. The American squad showcased their depth and resilience throughout the tournament, with NBA superstar Stephen Curry playing a significant role in their triumph.
Making his much-anticipated Olympic debut, Curry had a slow start, tallying only 12 points in the first four games. However, he found his rhythm when it mattered most. In the semifinals, Curry exploded with a 36-point performance against Serbia, steering the USA to the gold medal game.
The final against France saw Curry delivering once again, contributing 24 points and demonstrating his clutch gene by sinking four consecutive three-pointers in the last moments. His impact continued as he scored 12 straight points to ensure Team USA’s victory.
France’s Surprising Run and Individual Standouts
France’s journey to the final was equally compelling. They delivered a surprising victory over Canada in the knockout rounds, setting the stage for their eventual clash with the dominant American team. Despite falling in the final, several French players left a lasting mark on the tournament, including the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama. The young star averaged 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, underscoring his all-around contributions.
However, France faced challenges with injuries, most notably to Rudy Gobert. A finger injury limited Gobert’s playtime to just 21 minutes across the last three games, a factor that undoubtedly affected France’s defensive capabilities.
Serbia’s Return to the Podium
Serbia also had much to celebrate, as Nikola Jokic led the team to its first Olympic basketball medal since 2016. Jokic’s leadership and performance under pressure were instrumental in Serbia's success, echoing his stature as one of the premier talents in international basketball.
Devin Booker’s Versatility Shines
Amidst the high-profile journeys of the teams, individual excellence stood out, particularly that of Devin Booker. Transitioning from an NBA superstar to a critical role player for Team USA, Booker averaged 11.7 points per game, shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc. Despite playing just 23 minutes combined during the medal rounds, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed.
Steve Kerr, the esteemed coach, praised Booker's adaptability and impact: "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympics, many of the tournament's stars are gearing up for the forthcoming NBA season. Devin Booker is set to begin his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, coming off a career-high 6.3 assists per game last season. The Golden State Warriors are also entering a new era without Klay Thompson, marking a significant transition for the storied franchise.
The 2024 Olympics not only highlighted the dominance of traditional basketball powerhouses but also the emergence of new talent and the relentless pursuit of greatness by athletes worldwide. The thrilling games, cliffhanger moments, and extraordinary performances will be etched in the memories of fans, setting the stage for even greater anticipation for the next Olympic showdown.