The USA basketball team has been the overwhelming favorite to win gold since the lineup for the Olympics was revealed. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are the team’s three seasoned leaders. This group is frequently compared to the 1992 Dream Team. They’ve lived up to expectations thus far, defeating Serbia and Nikola Jokic by a close 95-91 margin to go to the gold medal game against the host country, France.
Stephen Curry is called a “God”
The star player for the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant, also gave Steph Curry, his former Golden State colleague, high praise, describing his play as “godlike.” With his 38 points and eight rebounds, Curry—who was without a doubt the game’s MVP—kept the USA in the game the whole time.
Curry is making the most of his first Olympic experience despite not being able to compete in previous competitions. Considering how he kept the club afloat over the first three quarters when they were behind, this game will undoubtedly go down as one of his best career performances.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 08: Stephen Curry #4 of Team United States drives past Ognjen Dobric #13 of Team Serbia during a Men’s basketball semifinals match between Team United States and Team Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Tomorrow, in a replay of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics final, the USA will compete against France for the gold medal. The USA is still the overwhelming favorite, even though the local audience will be cheering for France. However, France, under the leadership of Victor Wembanyama, might present a challenge with the backing of the supporters and a potent defense. Notably, in their last two games, France has benched Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite the USA’s slight advantage, anything may happen in the championship match, particularly considering France’s strong defense that defeated world champions Germany and Canada en route to the championship match.
“His energy was high… It was just a regular Steph game, and to have it right here when we needed it… It was special to see. It was God talking through him tonight.”
Kevin Durant on Curry’s impressive 36-point game against Serbia 🙌
(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/rlNAg7CAiu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 9, 2024
National pride and Kevin Durant
With just nine points in the game, Kevin Durant, the all-time leading scorer in Olympic history, had a poor night. With just over thirty seconds remaining in the game, he made a clutch basket, though. After the game, Durant, who is aiming for a record-tying fourth Olympic gold, said what was on his mind, surpassing Carmelo Anthony’s three:
“A lot of bullshit happens in our country, but a lot of great things happen, too.”
Kevin Durant, on patriotism, and playing for Team USA:
“A lot of bullshit happens in our country. But a lot of great things happen, too.” pic.twitter.com/QxZv1eYKG1
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) August 8, 2024
Carmelo Anthony courtside begging Kevin Durant to cook the defender in iso right before it happens.
The two greatest scorers in USA basketball history.
This is American basketball. https://t.co/oiHp6jCdrz
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) August 8, 2024
