The U.S. men’s basketball team continued its dominance on the Olympic stage, capturing its fifth consecutive gold medal with an 89-78 win over host nation France in the Paris 2024 final. Despite a slow start, Team USA surged in the second half, led by standout performances from Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards, to secure yet another Olympic title.
France Starts Strong, But Team USA Responds
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, France came out aggressive, with Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Their defensive presence forced early turnovers, and France’s perimeter shooting helped them build a narrow 43-41 halftime lead, raising hopes of a major upset.
Team USA, however, emerged from the break with renewed intensity. The third quarter proved to be the turning point as Kevin Durant, playing in his fourth Olympics, delivered a vintage performance. The star forward drilled contested jumpers and provided leadership when the team needed it most. Anthony Edwards followed suit, attacking the basket with force and knocking down timely three-pointers to shift momentum in the Americans’ favor.
By the end of the third quarter, the U.S. had flipped the script, establishing a 10-point cushion and forcing France into difficult shots.
Team USA’s Depth Seals the Victory
Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday played crucial supporting roles down the stretch. Tatum’s offensive versatility kept the French defense on edge, while Holiday’s elite perimeter defense limited France’s ability to stage a comeback. Despite a heroic effort from Wembanyama, who finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, France struggled to regain control as the U.S. maintained its lead into the final minutes.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised the team’s resilience after the game. “This was a tough environment, and France gave us everything they had,” Kerr said. “But our guys locked in defensively and made plays when it mattered most. They earned this moment.”
Durant’s Historic Achievement and the Road Ahead
For Durant, the victory marked his fourth Olympic gold medal, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest international players of all time. “Every time I put on this jersey, it means something special,” Durant said. “Winning in France’s home country, in this atmosphere, makes it even better.”
As Team USA celebrates another Olympic triumph, attention now turns to the future of the program. With young stars like Edwards stepping into leadership roles, the U.S. appears well-positioned to continue its reign heading into the FIBA World Cup and beyond.
