Mission accomplished: Gold is all it takes and Team USA wins the Olympic basketball title. France briefly gained momentum against the American stars, but Stephen Curry was the conductor in the final quarter. Final score: 87-98. This is the 5th gold medal for USA.
These Olympics we were spoiled with a very high level of basketball competition. The highlight was the men’s final between the USA star team and host France.
Backed by the home crowd, France looked to sell their skins at a premium, but it was James who immediately set the tone with a solid dunk for the first point of the match.
Vembanyama and his followers were unimpressed, sometimes setting foot next to America. By alternating moments of beautiful basketball with tough duels, the French stayed behind the Americans. Much to Devin Booker’s frustration, he even sought redress from De Colo physically at one point.
There was no question of walking.
Even King James had to believe it when Yabusele pounced on the American and set the field on fire.
But against a star-studded team like America, everything has to go right. The French forgot to reward and punish America for their mistakes.
In the last quarter, the Americans finally pushed the accelerator again, fueled by an impressive Stephen Curry. Curry hit back-to-back three-pointers to seal the final score of 87-98.
Led by Megan Rapinoe, Scottie Pippen and Jimmy Fallon, Team USA won its 5th consecutive Olympic title.
USA Wins Gold After Exciting 4th Quarter!
87-98: USA Olympic Champion!
Team USA did it again! Thanks to the strong Stephen Curry, the Americans won the last quarter and can once again call themselves Olympic champions.
Curry is loose!
What Stephen Curry shows here is interesting. When needed, he shows his class. Another triple tip!
Answer from Vembaniyama
What Curry can do, I can do. Vembanyama hit his 26th run into the net.
Wembley with three points, Curry can’t be far behind
Curry with three dots!
Do I have to score? Then call Stephen Curry. He’s back with a new three-pointer, and that’s 4 in a row!
79-87
France briefly got within 3 points, but American individual class forced France into a time-out. The difference is again 8 points.
Score 77-82: What else is possible?
Durant with Vol
Kevin Durant once again delivers an impressive block. The French are unimpressed and Vembanyama pushes for a comeback. The stadium exploded again!
6 points
Americans sometimes play with fire. After a silly loss of the ball, France could not capitalize on the fast break. Moments later, Durant threw a pass over the back row. The gap is now only 6 points!
Wembi reduced the difference to 3 points!
James led America by 14 points
Dunk James
Jimmy Fallon saw it was good. James takes advantage of the space: a spectacular dunk gives the USA a 14-point lead.
Wembey taps James’ shot at the right time, and Holiday makes the three-pointer
LeBron vs Wambaniyama
James meets Vembaniyama and acquits himself well. His attempt was cleared by the Frenchman above the basket. On the other hand, it is the same Vembanyama who misses the three pointer. Those balls have to go in to hurt America.
It looks like coach Steve Kerr took a swipe at his men. The Americans open up another 10-point gap shortly after.
End of 3rd quarter: 66-72
This match is definitely not over yet. The French are coming close and are 6 points behind the US.
The French make it a real competition. The Americans didn’t have it easy against the host nation’s tough game.
No benefit to France
The home team misses a chance to come close. After the American lost the ball, Coulibaly missed a lay-up. In a quick break, James misses breaking the ring. A missed opportunity for France.
“What Curry can do, I can do,” De Colo must have thought. The Frenchman heads the ball perfectly into the net to bring France within 3 points. The gap is 10 points.
3 with curry
His engine sputtered a bit in the first half, but now Curry is showing his true colours. The American scored twice in quick succession from behind the three-point line. 6 dots after his name.
Curry with three pointers
Start the 2nd half
We started again in Paris. In the 3rd quarter the game is in the first half. The Americans confirm their lead, the French play well.
The American Stars will rest with an 8-point lead against France
Rest: 41-49
France sells so much of its skin and goes into the dressing rooms with little deficit.
Zuru Holiday got himself on the scoreboard. After a fast break, he hit a three-pointer. Another 10 point lead for USA.
Yabusele James thinks
The stadium explodes for the umpteenth time. Yabusele dunks on James and confirms the French connection.
Yabusele thinks James: The French public is exploding!
Durant with a three-pointer
James is able to recover the ball in his own half, crossing the field and serving Curry with a beautiful ball. He finds Durant for a three-pointer. Hanging!
France misses a three-pointer and Durant makes it
cheers
Devin Booker had a great exit. When the game is briefly interrupted, he seeks out De Colo and gives him a firm push. The umpires leave it at that, but the American is getting away with it well here.
Booker vs Vembanayama
Devin Booker and Victor Vembanyama are currently leading their team. The American is 10 points better, the French a point better.
The French Streak
Home team impresses. The shortfall after the 1st quarter has been completely eliminated. 25-24 in favor of the French, they keep the crowd completely behind.
France and America balance each other
This basketball final started with a great first quarter. The Americans tried to force the ball, but France was able to continue to resist. 15-20 in favor of USA.
USA lead: 1st quarter ends 15-20
Related:
“Introvert. Communicator. Tv fanatic. Typical coffee advocate. Proud music maven. Infuriatingly humble student.”
More Stories
Russian Tortoises: The Ideal Pet for Reptile Enthusiasts
Biden and Xi want to sit down one last time
The United States won gold in the team relay on the opening day of the mountain bike world championships