One day to go: Team USA wins fifth consecutive men’s basketball gold medal at 2024 Olympics

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…