Team USA defeat hosts France to claim Olympic gold medal

The USA Men’s National Basketball Team extended their dominant run against the world after defeating home team France, 98-87, to claim the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in Bercy Arena. 

USA superstar Stephen Curry once again shone the brightest by providing the biggest shots of the game, including 4 three-pointers in the last 2:47 in the 4th quarter. However, none was bigger than the last three as he rose over two French defenders to hit a nasty stepback triple from the right wing to give the USA a 9-point lead with under a minute to go.

USA built a 14-point lead in the third quarter but France was sparked by the Bercy Arena crowd to pull within three points with three minutes to play until Curry’s flurry happened. 

After making 9 three-pointers and scoring 36 points in the Semi-Finals, Curry connected on 8 three-pointers for 24 points to lead Team USA while Kevin Durant and LeBron James added 15 points and 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists respectively.

It was Team USA’s 5th straight Olympic gold medal and 17th gold medal overall in the basketball tournament. According to FIBA, France also won their fourth silver medal following 1948, 2000, and 2021 - losing to Team USA in all four Gold Medal Games.

France's young superstar Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points and Guerschon Yabusele tallied 20 points in the loss.