In an electrifying 16 days, the 2024 Olympics produced some of the most memorable basketball moments in recent history. The tournament witnessed unexpected victories, stunning performances, and new milestones, solidifying its place in the annals of sports history.
France’s Surprising Victory
One of the most talked-about upsets came early in the knockout rounds, when France secured a surprising victory over Canada. France, a team many had underestimated, showed tenacity and strategic prowess, setting the stage for a riveting tournament.
Nikola Jokic Shines for Serbia
Nikola Jokic, the Serbian sensation, steered his team to its first Olympic medal since 2016. Jokic’s leadership and skill were on full display, as Serbia fought through the competition to clinch a coveted spot on the podium.
Team USA Dominates
Continuing their legacy of dominance in Olympic basketball, Team USA captured their 17th gold medal with a hard-fought 98-87 win over France in the final. The victory was a team effort, but one player's performance stood out remarkably.
Stephen Curry's Olympic Debut
Stephen Curry, making his highly anticipated Olympic debut, initially seemed to struggle, scoring only 12 points through the first four games. However, Curry’s performance in the semifinals against Serbia was nothing short of spectacular. He scored an astonishing 36 points, proving critics wrong and showcasing his signature shooting prowess.
In the gold medal game against France, Curry continued to deliver. He contributed 24 points and sank four consecutive three-pointers in the final moments, sealing the game with his clutch performance. Remarkably, Curry scored 12 straight points at one stretch in the final, solidifying his position as one of the tournament's standout players.
Devin Booker’s Versatile Impact
Devin Booker also played a crucial role for Team USA, averaging 11.7 points per game and shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc during the Olympics. Booker’s versatility was a significant asset, as highlighted by Coach Steve Kerr: "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP." Such high praise from Kerr underscores Booker's adaptation and impact.
Despite playing just 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds, Anthony Edwards added depth to the rotation, allowing the team to maintain high energy levels throughout the competition.
France's Standout Performers
France's run to the final was bolstered by stellar performances from players like Victor Wembanyama. Averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, Wembanyama was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Rudy Gobert, despite a finger injury that limited him to 21 minutes over France's last three games, fought valiantly to support his team.
Looking Forward to New Seasons
As the 2024 Olympics come to a close, players now turn their focus to the upcoming NBA season. Devin Booker is set to start his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Booker comes off a season where he averaged a career-high 6.3 assists per game, indicating his growth as a playmaker.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are on the brink of a new era, moving forward without Klay Thompson. The adjustments required in Thompson’s absence will be significant, but if Curry's Olympic performance is any indication, the Warriors can expect their star guard to continue playing at an elite level.
The 2024 Olympics have not only provided unforgettable moments and highlighted remarkable talent but also set the stage for an exciting upcoming basketball season. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate how these Olympic performances will influence the dynamics of the NBA and international basketball in the months to come.