Over 16 days of intense competition, the 2024 Olympics in basketball delivered unforgettable moments, remarkable achievements, and dramatic showdowns. From upsets to standout performances, basketball fans were treated to a rich tapestry of athletic prowess and emotional highs.
France's Upset and Serbia's Milestone
The knockout rounds saw France pulling off a stunning victory over Canada, surprising many and setting the stage for their progress in the tournament. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led Serbia to its first Olympic medal since 2016, a significant achievement for the Serbian basketball program.
Team USA's Journey to Gold
Team USA continued its dominance in Olympic basketball, securing their 17th gold medal with a 98-87 win over France in the final. The team showcased depth and resilience, with contributions from various players.
One of the most notable aspects of Team USA's journey was Stephen Curry's first appearance in the Olympic tournament. Though he started off slowly, scoring only 12 points in the first four games, Curry demonstrated his iconic scoring ability when it mattered most. In the semifinals against Serbia, he exploded for 36 points, a performance that was pivotal in advancing to the final.
Against France, Curry's clutch performance once again shined. He poured in 24 points and hit four consecutive three-pointers during the final moments of the game, ensuring Team USA's victory. Just as crucial was his contribution of 12 straight points in the gold medal match, highlighting his invaluable presence on the court.
Key Players and Performances
Devin Booker was another integral part of Team USA's success. Averaging 11.7 points per game and shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc, Booker adapted his NBA role to fit the team's needs seamlessly. As Coach Steve Kerr noted, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Anthony Edwards' role was more limited during the medal rounds, playing a combined 23 minutes, but his presence contributed to the team's overall depth and flexibility. On the other side, France's Victor Wembanyama emerged as a force, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around potential for the future.
France faced additional challenges with Rudy Gobert's finger injury, which restricted him to just 21 minutes over the team's last three games, impacting their performance in crucial moments.
Looking Forward
As the Olympics concluded, attention now shifts back to the NBA with several storylines worth following. Devin Booker is entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns, now under the guidance of new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Booker had an impressive season last year, achieving a career-high 6.3 assists per game, and will be looking to build on that momentum.
The Golden State Warriors also face a new chapter as they begin a new era without Klay Thompson, marking a significant transition for the team that has seen tremendous success over the past decade.
The 2024 Olympics not only crowned new champions but also set the stage for exciting developments in the basketball world. As players return to their respective leagues, the experiences and lessons from Tokyo are bound to influence the NBA season ahead. The echoes of Olympic competition will resound through arenas across the globe, carrying the spirit of international basketball into every game.