By Samuel Akpan in Paris
Team USA secured a routine victory, winning the fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball against France 98:87 in the final of the 2024 Games in Paris.
NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama got off to a quick start for France, scoring seven points in the first four minutes, including a highlight dunk after blowing past Joel Embiid at the top of the key.
The United States leads France 12-11, more than halfway through the first quarter.
In what amounted to an Olympic road game for the U.S. in front of a partisan France crowd, the U.S. relied on its biggest stars and 3-point shooting. LeBron James continued his stellar Olympic play with 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds; Steph Curry dropped 24—all coming on eight made 3s; and Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each scored 15 points.
The U.S. made 18-of-36 pointers, outscoring France 54-27 from that distance, and the U.S. owned a 31-9 edge in fastbreak points.
Steph Curry came to the rescue for Team USA, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers in the game’s closing two minutes.
He finished with 24 points overall, shooting 8-for-13 from 3.
Persecondnews reports that the games come to a close on Sunday, August 11.
More to follow…
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