In what was hailed as one of the most thrilling basketball tournaments in Olympics history, the 2024 Games brought fans to the edge of their seats with unforgettable performances and unexpected turns.
Triumph and Surprise
The tournament saw Team USA clinching their 17th gold medal after an intense 98-87 victory over France. Stephen Curry, making his Olympic debut, became a central figure of the competition. Despite a slow start with just 12 points in the first four games, Curry exploded in the semifinals against Serbia, scoring an astounding 36 points. His momentum carried through to the final, where he added 24 points, including four decisive three-pointers in the closing moments that sealed the victory for Team USA. His 12 straight points in the final minutes demonstrated why he's one of basketball's most electrifying players.
France, though defeated in the final, delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament. A surprising victory over Canada in the knockout rounds highlighted their resilience and capability to contend with the best. Despite Rudy Gobert's limited playtime due to a finger injury, which reduced him to just 21 minutes over France's last three games, the French team showcased exceptional talent.
Serbia's Comeback
Nikola Jokic skillfully led Serbia to its first Olympic medal since 2016, cementing his status as one of the game's elite players. The semifinal matchup against Team USA proved challenging, yet even in defeat, Serbia's journey to the podium was a testament to Jokic's leadership and on-court prowess.
Individual Performances
Victor Wembanyama of France was another standout, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His all-around performance demonstrated his immense potential and future in international basketball.
For Team USA, aside from Curry's heroics, other players contributed significantly. Devin Booker averaged 11.7 points per game and a remarkable 56.5% from three-point range. Despite his limited minutes in the medal rounds, Anthony Edwards provided valuable contributions when called upon. Booker, who is entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, continues to evolve his game, coming off a career-high season with 6.3 assists per game in the NBA. USA coach Steve Kerr praised Booker's adaptability and impact, stating, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
A New Era
As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympics, the basketball world looks ahead to the upcoming NBA season. The Golden State Warriors are bracing for a new era without Klay Thompson, which will undoubtedly test the team’s depth and resilience. Meanwhile, players like Booker, Jokic, and Wembanyama will carry the momentum from their Olympic performances into the regular season, eager to replicate their success on basketball’s grandest stage.
The 2024 Olympics has once again highlighted the global nature of basketball, with countries across the world displaying incredible talent and competition. It was a tournament filled with historic milestones, exhilarating moments, and performances that will be remembered for years to come.