With 16 days of non-stop competition, the 2024 Olympics delivered some of the most exhilarating moments in basketball history. Among these were France's stunning victory over Canada in the knockout rounds and Nikola Jokic leading Serbia to its first medal since 2016.
Team USA's Triumph
In the grand finale, Team USA clinched their 17th gold medal with a decisive 98-87 victory over France. This win was highlighted by a standout performance from Stephen Curry, who made his first Olympic appearance in the 2024 tournament. Though his initial games were underwhelming, scoring only 12 points in the first four matches, Curry's contribution significantly intensified during the semifinals and the final.
In an electrifying semifinal clash against Serbia, Curry exploded with a 36-point performance, followed by a crucial effort against France where he contributed 24 points. Notably, Curry sank four consecutive three-pointers in the critical final moments of the game, and scored 12 straight points in a remarkable display of skill and poise.
Devin Booker's Evolution
Devin Booker's Olympic journey was equally compelling. Booker averaged 11.7 points per game with an astounding 56.5% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc throughout the Olympics. Despite playing only 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds, his versatility and adaptability were evident.
Under the guidance of Coach Steve Kerr, Booker's role transformation was profound. "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP," remarked Kerr, emphasizing Booker's impact on the team's success. Entering his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns, now under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, Booker seems poised for another standout season. Building off his career-high 6.3 assists per game last season, his Olympic performance suggests a promising future.
Key Performances and Challenges
Victor Wembanyama also left an indelible mark on the tournament, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His all-around performance demonstrated his potential as a future superstar in the sport. However, Rudy Gobert's contributions for France were hampered by a finger injury, limiting him to just 21 minutes over the last three games.
A Changing Landscape
As the Golden State Warriors prepare for a new era without Klay Thompson, the landscape of international and domestic basketball continues to evolve. The stories from the 2024 Olympics not only highlight individual excellence but also underscore the team dynamics and strategies that define championship basketball.
The 2024 Olympics basketball tournament will be remembered for its dramatic games, extraordinary individual performances, and the profound narratives that emerged. For fans and players alike, it was a showcase of basketball brilliance, setting the stage for future contests on both the international and NBA fronts.