The United States secured their fifth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball title on Saturday with a hard-fought 98-87 victory over France, bringing their total number of Olympic golds to 17.
In a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics final from three years ago, LeBron James and the NBA-star-studded US team once again proved too strong for France, despite a formidable performance from NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and his teammates.
France, trailing by 14 points, narrowed the gap to just three with 3 minutes and 4 seconds remaining. However, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry responded with a three-pointer, followed by Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant sinking two crucial free throws, enabling the US to power through to the end.
Curry led the US with 24 points, including eight three-pointers. Durant and Devin Booker each contributed 15 points, while James added 14 points along with six rebounds, 10 assists, a steal, and a block.
This victory marked Durant’s record fourth Olympic gold, James’ third, and Curry’s first in his inaugural Olympic appearance, despite being a four-time NBA champion.
Wembanyama delivered his best offensive performance of the Olympics, scoring 26 points. Guerschon Yabusele added 20, but Isaia Cordinier, who had been pivotal in France’s recovery after a close win over Japan and a tough loss to Germany in group play, was held scoreless.
France struggled from beyond the arc, converting just nine of 30 three-point attempts, while the US dominated fast-break points with a 31-9 advantage.
The game began with both teams locked in defensively, leading to a tense first half that saw 10 lead changes.
Wembanyama electrified the Bercy Arena crowd with a dunk that gave France an 11-10 lead. However, the US quickly regained control when Booker scored on a layup off a behind-the-back pass from James, who then stole the ball to set up a dunk for Jayson Tatum.
After trailing by five at the end of the first quarter, France briefly took a 25-24 lead on a Bilal Coubilaly dunk, but the US capitalized on France’s missed shots to stay ahead.
James drove through the French defense for a layup, drew a foul, and flexed at the US bench before completing the three-point play to extend the lead to 37-31. The US maintained an eight-point lead, 49-41, at halftime.
France continued to push, with Nando De Colo assisting Evan Fournier for a three-pointer and then stealing the ball for a layup that brought France within six points. The score stood at 72-66 entering the fourth quarter.
Despite France’s relentless efforts, the United States always found an answer and eventually celebrated their triumph together at center court, draped in US flags.
