The 2024 Summer Olympics delivered 16 days of riveting basketball action, culminating in some of the tournament's most unforgettable moments. These games saw intense competition, heart-stopping finishes, and awe-inspiring performances, solidifying the event's place in the annals of basketball history.
France's Unexpected Triumph and Jokic's Brilliance
France stunned spectators with a dramatic victory over Canada in the knockout rounds, demonstrating their resilience and tactical prowess. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic’s extraordinary leadership guided Serbia to its first medal since 2016. His performance underscored why he remains one of the premier talents in the sport, orchestrating his team’s offense with precision and flair.
Team USA's Domination and Curry's Debut
Team USA added another chapter to its storied Olympic legacy, clinching their 17th gold medal with a 98-87 win over France in the final. The team displayed an impressive blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, spearheaded by many standout performances.
The 2024 Olympics marked Stephen Curry's long-anticipated first appearance in the tournament. Initially, Curry struggled to find his rhythm, scoring only 12 points across the first four games. However, as the stakes rose, so did Curry’s performances.
In a pivotal semifinal match against Serbia, Curry erupted for 36 points, showcasing the shooting skills that have made him a household name in the NBA. During the gold medal game against France, Curry was instrumental, contributing 24 points and hitting four consecutive three-pointers in the game's final moments. His late-game heroics included scoring 12 straight points, cementing his status as a clutch performer on the world stage.
Supporting Cast: Booker and Edwards
Devin Booker also played a crucial role in Team USA’s success. Averaging 11.7 points per game and shooting a blistering 56.5% from beyond the arc, Booker’s consistency provided the team with a reliable scoring option. His contribution was lauded by head coach Steve Kerr, who remarked, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Despite Booker's stellar play, Anthony Edwards saw limited action, logging just 23 combined minutes during the medal rounds. Meanwhile, the towering Victor Wembanyama of France showcased his prodigious talent, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, underscoring his future potential in international basketball.
Rudy Gobert’s time on the court was cut short due to a finger injury, which limited him to only 21 minutes over France’s last three games. Despite this setback, France's young squad still managed to make a compelling run, demonstrating the depth of their talent pool.
Booker's Future and Warriors' New Era
Looking beyond the Olympics, Devin Booker is set to begin his 10th season with the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Coming off a career-high 6.3 assists per game last season, Booker’s evolution into a more rounded playmaker will be crucial for the Suns’ aspirations.
The Golden State Warriors are also on the cusp of a new chapter as they prepare for the season ahead without Klay Thompson. This transition marks the end of an era characterized by their dynamic duo, but it also opens up new possibilities for the franchise to reinvent itself and remain a formidable contender in the NBA.
The 2024 Olympics not only highlighted the current elite status of players like Stephen Curry but also gave a glimpse into the future of international basketball with rising stars such as Victor Wembanyama. The blend of seasoned brilliance and budding talent promises to keep fans excited and engaged in the sport for years to come.