The quality of USA basketball greats such as LeBron James and Steph Curry ultimately shone through as the star-studded basketball team beat hosts France 98-87 to claim the country’s fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. Steve Kerr’s side were pushed hard by a France team led by Victor Wembanyama, but ultimately prevailed in a dramatic final.
Steve Kerr’s USA basketball side showed their undoubted quality as they pipped hosts France to the gold medal with a 98-87 win at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Steph Curry produced an emphatic display, shooting eight three-pointers to help USA claim their fifth consecutive basketball gold, and their eighth in their last nine Games appearances.
The game was heading for a stiffly fought conclusion, but some magic from Curry helped to establish an 11-point cushion, with two stunning three-pointers in the closing minutes to seal gold for USA.
The USA team, who had a near-miss after trailing by 17 points against Serbia at one stage during their semi-final, looked to have their lead put under threat with Guerschon Yabusele and NBA star Victor Wembanyama leading the hosts to a nail-biting final quarter.
However, Curry’s status as arguably the best shooter in basketball history was emboldened by an inspired late rally to ensure gold headed back to the United States.
“Steph Curry ended up being the difference,” USA boss Kerr told Eurosport. “The flurry at the end of the game was just incredible.
I’ve seen it a few times, but it never gets old.
“It’s the whole group, it’s all 12 guys these last six weeks putting in so much work.
I want to give credit to France. They were amazing.