The U.S. grabbed gold in men’s basketball on Saturday at the Paris Olympics.
Stephen Curry netted 24 points to guide the Team to a 98-87 victory over France at Bercy Arena, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal and 17th overall. Despite star Victor Wembanyama’s 26 points for France, the host nation fell short of claiming its first gold medal in the sport.
“I believe we could possibly be the only team globally where our supporters feel disappointed if we secure a silver medal,” stated U.S. coach Steve Kerr. “That’s the level of expectation we deal with. However, our players, like Steph, thrive under pressure. They embrace this environment, and their performance was exceptional.”
US citizens would have definitely felt disappointed in their players if they didn’t secure that gold medal , seeing that most of the players in the team are the best of best in what they do.
Kevin Durant, who made history as the first four-time men’s gold medalist in Olympic basketball, contributed 15 points, while LeBron James scored 14. As the game neared its end, James raised his fist in triumph before sharing a celebratory embrace with Durant.
France clinched its fourth Olympic silver, finishing as the runner-up to the Americans in 1948, 2000, and 2020. Wembanyama, this year’s NBA Rookie of the Year, shed tears as the U.S. celebrated. Subsequently, Durant embraced him and the two engaged in a conversation for a few minutes.
