The 2024 Olympics has once again proven to be a stage for thrilling basketball drama, spanning 16 days of intense competition. This year’s highlights included unexpected victories, remarkable personal performances, and a classic finale that crowned Team USA with their 17th Olympic gold medal in basketball.
France’s Unanticipated Triumph
The French team delivered a shocking upset over Canada in the knockout rounds, showing their prowess and potential to compete among the world's best. Despite battling internal injuries and challenges, France demonstrated resilience and skill, pushing through the competition to face Team USA in the final.
Serbia's Return to Glory
Nikola Jokic, the Serbian sensation, guided his team to its first medal since 2016. Jokic's leadership and performance were pivotal as Serbia navigated a tough tournament landscape. His contributions were particularly noticeable in the semifinals, a stage at which Stephen Curry of Team USA emerged in spectacular form.
Stephen Curry's Olympic Journey
Stephen Curry made his long-awaited Olympic debut in 2024, and while his start was slow—only scoring 12 points through the first four games—he spectacularly found his rhythm when it mattered most. Curry posted a remarkable 36 points against Serbia in the semifinals, signaling his readiness to carry his team to gold.
In the final against France, Curry delivered a crucial performance by scoring 24 points, including sinking four consecutive three-pointers in the game's closing moments. His 12 straight points in the game's critical phases underscored Team USA’s dominance and skill.
Devin Booker's Silent Brilliance
While Curry undeniably stole the spotlight, Devin Booker played a pivotal yet understated role throughout the tournament. Averaging 11.7 points per game and boasting an impressive 56.5% shooting rate from beyond the arc, Booker’s contributions were essential to his team’s success. Coach Steve Kerr aptly described his impact: "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Despite limited playing time, with just 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds, Anthony Edwards was also part of the collective effort that led Team USA to victory.
Victor Wembanyama’s Emergence
For France, Victor Wembanyama stood out with an average of 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His comprehensive skill set was a beacon of hope for the French side and signals a bright future for the young star.
Rudy Gobert’s performance was hampered by a finger injury, limiting him to just 21 minutes over France's last three games. His reduced presence on the court was keenly felt and may have influenced France's quest for gold.
Future Implications
As these Olympics come to a close, the professional futures of several players are poised for interesting developments. Devin Booker will return to the Phoenix Suns for his 10th season, this time under the guidance of new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Booker’s 2023 season was marked by a career-high 6.3 assists per game, signifying his evolution as a player.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are on the brink of a new era without Klay Thompson, highlighting another transition in the NBA landscape. As the basketball world moves forward from these games, the stories and performances from the 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly reverberate through the coming seasons, influencing strategies, team compositions, and the ambitions of both players and clubs worldwide.
The 2024 Olympics has etched unforgettable basketball moments into history, showcasing raw talent, strategic brilliance, and the unyielding spirit of competition. The tournament not only crowned champions but also heralded the rise of future stars, ensuring that basketball enthusiasts have much to look forward to in the years to come.