In 16 days of electrifying competition at the 2024 Olympics, basketball fans were treated to some of the most dramatic moments in the sport's history. From unexpected victories to groundbreaking performances, the tournament did not disappoint.
France's Surprise Knockout Victory Over Canada
Among the standout stories was France's surprising victory over Canada in the knockout rounds. This unexpected triumph set the stage for an exciting journey through the medal rounds, showcasing the depth and unpredictability of international basketball.
Nikola Jokic Leads Serbia to a Medal
In another highlight, Serbian giant Nikola Jokic steered his national team to its first medal since 2016. Jokic's leadership and stellar play were instrumental in Serbia's success, reaffirming his status as one of the premier players in the world.
Team USA's Dominance and Curry's Olympic Debut
Team USA continued their tradition of excellence, clinching their 17th gold medal with a 98-87 win over France in the final. The tournament marked the Olympic debut of Stephen Curry, who had long been a conspicuous absence from the international stage. Initially scoring only 12 points through the first four games, Curry's performance crescendoed as the stakes rose.
In the semifinals against Serbia, Curry exploded for 36 points, showcasing his unmatched shooting prowess and playmaking ability. During the final against France, Curry was again pivotal, contributing 24 points and sinking four consecutive three-pointers in the closing moments to seal the victory. His 12 straight points in the final game underscored his clutch performance and solidified his place in Olympic history.
Devin Booker's Impact
Devin Booker played a critical role throughout the Olympics, averaging 11.7 points per game and shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc. His consistency and efficiency were vital to Team USA's success. Booker's ability to adapt from his role in the NBA to the international play 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, highlighting Booker's versatility and selflessness.
Booker's Olympic success dovetails with an already impressive NBA career. Entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, Booker had a career-high of 6.3 assists per game last season. His growth as a player continues to inspire and elevate his team's performance.
Victor Wembanyama and the French Resurgence
Victor Wembanyama emerged as a force to be reckoned with for France, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His all-around performance was a key factor in France's deep run in the tournament, showcasing his potential as one of the future stars in international basketball.
However, France faced adversity with Rudy Gobert's finger injury, which limited him to just 21 minutes over the last three games. Despite this setback, France's resilience and the emergence of Wembanyama provided a silver lining and hope for future competitions.
A New Era for the Golden State Warriors
Back in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are set to begin a new era without Klay Thompson, marking the end of one of the league's most iconic duos. How the team adjusts and who steps up to fill the void left by Thompson will be a storyline to follow in the upcoming season.
As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympics, the basketball world reflects on a tournament that not only provided unforgettable moments but also set the stage for future stars to shine. The blend of established legends and rising talents promises an exciting future for the sport, both on the international stage and in the NBA.