The 2024 Olympics delivered some of the most exhilarating basketball moments in recent memory, spanning 16 days of intense competition and unforgettable performances.
France Stuns Canada
One of the most surprising outcomes came when France defeated Canada in the knockout rounds. The victory set the stage for France's dramatic journey through the tournament. Despite the odds, the French team managed to put up a significant fight against formidable opponents.
Serbia's Long-Awaited Podium Finish
Serbia also had a memorable run, primarily due to the stellar performance of Nikola Jokic. Steering Serbia to its first medal since 2016, Jokic demonstrated why he is one of the most versatile and impactful players in the sport. His leadership and on-court prowess were on full display, making Serbia's medal win a historical moment for the nation.
Team USA Secures 17th Gold
Meanwhile, Team USA continued its dominance in Olympic basketball by securing their 17th gold medal after a hard-fought 98-87 victory over France in the final. One of the tournament's headline stories was the first Olympic appearance of Stephen Curry, who saved some of his best performances for the latter stages of the competition.
Stephen Curry's Debut
Curry's Olympic journey began humbly, with only 12 points scored over the first four games. However, he found his rhythm when it mattered most. In a semifinal clash against Serbia, Curry exploded for 36 points, leading his team to victory.
Against France in the final, he contributed 24 points, which included four consecutive three-pointers in the crucial moments of the game. His reliability shone through once again as he went on to score 12 straight points, effectively sealing the gold for Team USA.
Booker's Transformation
Another standout for Team USA was Devin Booker, who averaged 11.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc. Booker's transformation from his role in the NBA to the international stage did not go unnoticed. "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP," said Coach Steve Kerr.
Despite playing limited minutes—just 23 combined during the medal rounds—Anthony Edwards also showcased flashes of brilliance, contributing to Team USA's overall success.
Impact Players on a Global Stage
On the international front, France's Victor Wembanyama made his presence felt by averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His all-around performance has set the expectation for a bright future. However, France was dealt a blow when Rudy Gobert suffered a finger injury, which limited him to just 21 minutes over France's last three games, impacting their medal aspirations.
Looking Towards NBA Futures
As the Olympics conclude, NBA fans will turn their attention to the upcoming season, where several Olympic stars will resume their professional careers. Booker, fresh off his Olympic stint, is entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Last season, Booker reached a career-high with an average of 6.3 assists per game, adding a new dimension to his game that will be interesting to monitor under Budenholzer's system.
The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are poised to navigate a new era without Klay Thompson. How this shift will affect both Curry and the Warriors remains to be seen, particularly after Curry's exceptional showing in the Olympics.
With the closing of the Olympic chapter, the performances in Paris have set the stage for an intriguing NBA season. The experiences and lessons gained from the international competition will undoubtedly impact the strategies and performances of these players in the months to come. For now, fans and analysts alike celebrate the exceptional displays of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship that defined the 2024 Olympic basketball tournament.