The 2024 Olympic basketball tournament will be remembered as one of the most electrifying in recent history. Over the course of 16 days, we witnessed a series of incredible performances, stunning upsets, and emerging stars on the global stage.
Unexpected Triumphs and Heartfelt Moments
France's basketball team delivered a shocking victory over Canada in the knockout rounds, paving the way for an exciting run. Meanwhile, Serbia, led by the indomitable Nikola Jokic, clinched its first Olympic medal since 2016, showcasing the talent and resilience of these two national teams.
Team USA's Dominance
Team USA continued its storied Olympic legacy by securing their 17th gold medal after a commanding 98-87 win against France in the final. This achievement added another chapter to their historical dominance in the sport.
The Stephen Curry Phenomenon
Stephen Curry made headlines with his first Olympic appearance in 2024. Despite a slow start, scoring only 12 points across the first four games, Curry found his rhythm when it mattered most. In the semifinals, he exploded for 36 points against Serbia, single-handedly lifting the team to the finals. Curry continued his sharpshooting streak in the gold medal game against France, contributing 24 points and sinking four consecutive three-pointers in a dazzling display of shooting prowess. In a crucial moment, Curry also scored 12 straight points, cementing his status as a game-changer.
Key Contributions and Rising Stars
Devin Booker emerged as an essential player for Team USA, averaging 11.7 points per game while showcasing remarkable accuracy with a 56.5% success rate from beyond the arc. His adaptability and unselfish playmaking earned high praise from 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."
However, the Olympics weren't as favorable for Anthony Edwards, who saw limited action, playing just 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds. Victor Wembanyama, a standout for France, displayed his versatility and potential by averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, proving himself as one of the sport's rising stars.
Challenges and Injuries
The French team faced setbacks with Rudy Gobert suffering a finger injury that restricted him to just 21 minutes over France's last three games. Despite his limited participation, Gobert's presence and defensive prowess were sorely missed by the team.
Looking to the Future
As the basketball world reflects on these Olympic games, players and teams are already setting their sights on the upcoming NBA season. Devin Booker is entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Booker, who had a career-high 6.3 assists per game last season, continues to evolve as a multifaceted player. The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, are poised to embark on a new chapter without Klay Thompson, signaling a significant shift for the franchise.
The 2024 Olympics have given fans and athletes alike moments to cherish and lessons to learn. With new stars emerging and veterans showcasing their enduring talents, the tournament has set the stage for an exciting future in international basketball.