Team USA holds off France to win Olympic gold in men’s basketball thanks to Steph Curry’s prowess

Stephen Curry was already thinking about it two years ago, after winning his fourth NBA title. All he had left to do was win Olympic gold.

And at the final moment, he made sure that medal would be his.

The United States is once again on top of international men’s basketball after Curry scored 24 points and led the way to a 98-87 victory over France in the tournament final. Paris Games Saturday night. It was the fifth consecutive gold medal for the United States — and the 17th in 20 all-time appearances for Americans at the Games.

Curry made four three-pointers in the next 2 minutes, 43 seconds, including the game-winning one with 1 minute, 19 seconds left. The United States led 93-84, and he leapt onto the court with a shout, shaking his jersey so everyone could see the word “USA” emblazoned on the front.

As if that wasn’t enough, another one followed about 30 seconds from the end – with the “go to sleep” move where he puts his hands to the side of his face.

Good night. Game over. Gold has won. Once again.

Kevin Durant, the first four-time Olympic gold medalist in men’s basketball, scored 15 points for the Americans, as did Devin Booker. And LeBron James, wearing self-explanatory metallic gold shoes, scored 14 points for the United States, winning his fourth Olympic medal and third gold.

For the second time in a row, the French had to watch the Americans wave American flags in celebration after the title game. The French lost to the United States 87-82 in Tokyo three years ago, and this time the game came down to the final minutes. Until Curry took over.

Victor Wembanyama, playing in his first Olympic final, shone for France, scoring 26 points, covering his face with a towel as the Americans celebrated their victory. Guerschon Yabusele scored 20 points for the hosts.

The United States led 14-0 early in the third quarter and appeared poised to take over. But the offense quickly cooled off, and when Evan Fournier hit a three-pointer with 3:05 left in the quarter, the lead was cut to 65-59, a 12-4 run for the hosts.

With a chance to take a 10-plus point lead heading into the fourth quarter, a big American blunder gave France new momentum. Anthony Edwards and Durant crossed signals on a pass that led to a turnover, Nando De Colo scored before the buzzer and the American lead was down to 72-66 heading into the final 10 minutes.

He got as close as three. No closer, thanks to Curry.