The 2024 Olympics, held over an intense span of 16 days, offered basketball fans around the globe some of the most thrilling moments in recent memory. The electrifying competition featured numerous surprises and standout performances, culminating in unforgettable finishes and historic victories.
France's Surprising Upset
In one of the more unexpected turns during the knockout rounds, France managed to secure a stunning victory over Canada. The win positioned France for their clash against Team USA in the finals where their journey would eventually come to an end.
Serbia's Long-Awaited Medal
Nikola Jokic played a pivotal role in guiding Serbia to its first Olympic medal since 2016. His leadership and skill on the court were instrumental, as Serbia battled through the tournament to secure their spot on the podium. Jokic's efforts were particularly highlighted in the semifinal matchup against Team USA.
Team USA Dominates
Team USA captured their 17th gold medal in Olympic basketball history with a hard-fought 98-87 victory over France in the final. The team's performance throughout the tournament underscored their dominance in the sport, even as new stars emerged and veterans cemented their legacies.
Curry's Olympic Debut
Stephen Curry, making his highly anticipated Olympic debut, provided plenty of excitement for fans and analysts alike. His journey in the tournament was marked by a slow start, scoring merely 12 points across the first four games. However, Curry found his rhythm when it mattered the most.
In the semifinals against Serbia, Curry exploded for 36 points, a performance that arguably charted the course for Team USA's march to the finals. In the gold-medal game, Curry's impact was undeniable; he contributed 24 points, including sinking four consecutive three-pointers in the critical final moments of the match. Furthermore, Curry scored 12 straight points in the closing stages, solidifying his place in Olympic basketball lore.
Booker's Contribution
Devin Booker also played a significant role for Team USA, averaging 11.7 points per game while showcasing impressive efficiency, shooting 56.5% from beyond the arc. Despite his relatively low profile, Booker's versatility stood out, a point underscored by Team USA coach Steve Kerr who stated, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Off the court, Devin Booker is set to navigate new challenges with the Phoenix Suns, entering his 10th season under the guidance of new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Booker's recent NBA season saw him achieving a career-high 6.3 assists per game, hinting at his evolving role and increasing significance on the roster.
Notable Performances from International Stars
France's Victor Wembanyama was a key player throughout the tournament, averaging an impressive stat line of 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His presence on the court was crucial for France's deep run in the competition.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert faced adversities of his own. A finger injury limited Gobert to just 21 minutes over France's last three games, impacting his ability to contribute as significantly as anticipated. Despite these limitations, Gobert's defensive capabilities were still a key factor for his team.
Changes on the Horizon
As the dust settles on this year's Olympics, the basketball world looks toward the changes and developments within top teams and their players. Notably, the Golden State Warriors face a new era without Klay Thompson, a shift that fans and analysts will watch with keen interest.
Overall, the 2024 Olympics provided a spectacular showcase of athletic talent and competitive spirit, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in international basketball competition.