In the span of 16 days, the 2024 Olympics presented basketball enthusiasts with a buffet of unforgettable moments. Among the standout achievements, Team USA clinched their 17th gold medal, delivering a 98-87 victory over France in a riveting final. In a tournament punctuated by unexpected triumphs and individual brilliance, several storylines emerged that captivated audiences worldwide.
France's Unexpected Surge
France's run to the final was nothing short of remarkable. A significant highlight was their surprising victory over Canada in the knockout rounds. Much of the attention on the French roster was on the emerging star Victor Wembanyama, who put on a show throughout the tournament. Averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, Wembanyama lived up to the hype, demonstrating why he is one of basketball’s most promising young talents.
However, France faced a setback when Rudy Gobert, the towering defensive anchor, suffered a finger injury that restricted him to just 21 minutes over France’s last three games. This undoubtedly impacted their performance, yet the team showcased resilience, pushing Team USA to their limits in the final.
Team USA's Golden Run
Leading Team USA was the sharpshooting Stephen Curry, making his Olympic debut in 2024. Initially, Curry appeared to struggle, scoring only 12 points across the first four games. But as the stakes heightened, so did Curry's performance. His turning point came in the semifinals against Serbia, where he erupted for 36 points, a performance that included clutch shots and signature three-pointers that left spectators in awe.
The final against France saw Curry continue his sublime form, contributing 24 points and sealing the victory with four consecutive three-pointers in the final moments. In the grand finale, he dazzled once more, scoring 12 straight points to cement Team USA's win. His ability to step up during critical junctures underscored why he is considered one of the game's greatest.
Devin Booker also played a critical role in Team USA's success. Averaging 11.7 points per game and shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc, Booker exemplified efficiency and consistency. Despite a quieter performance in terms of scoring, his contributions were invaluable. Reflecting on Booker's role, Coach Steve Kerr remarked, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP." Booker's adaptability and willingness to embrace a different role from his usual star position with the Phoenix Suns were instrumental in the team’s triumph.
The tournament was also a stage for other key players. Anthony Edwards, despite his limited playing time of just 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds, showcased glimpses of his immense potential. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led Serbia to its first medal since 2016, adding another chapter to his outstanding international career.
Shifts in NBA Futures
As the Olympics concluded, attention soon shifted to the upcoming NBA season. Devin Booker is preparing to enter his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns, now under the guidance of new head coach Mike Budenholzer. This transition period offers both challenges and opportunities for Booker, who posted a career-high 6.3 assists per game last season. His Olympic experience and the versatility he demonstrated could prove beneficial as he adapts to new coaching strategies and responsibilities.
In contrast, the Golden State Warriors are bracing for a new era without Klay Thompson. As they navigate this uncharted territory, the Warriors will rely heavily on their seasoned stars and emerging talents to maintain their competitive edge in the NBA.
As basketball fans around the world look back on the 2024 Olympics, the tournament's narratives of unexpected victories, individual brilliance, and changing futures in the NBA will undoubtedly be remembered. The performances in Paris provided a thrilling showcase of the sport's global talent and set the stage for exciting developments in both international and professional basketball arenas.