In an electric display spanning 16 days, the 2024 Olympics delivered some of the most exhilarating basketball moments in recent memory. One of the most noteworthy narratives was France's unexpected victory over Canada in the knockout rounds, a triumph that stunned basketball enthusiasts worldwide. However, the journey to Olympic glory was not without its share of individual and collective brilliance.
Jokic Leads Serbia to Glory
Nikola Jokic was instrumental in steering Serbia to its first medal since 2016. His leadership and skill were on full display, rekindling the nation's basketball spirit and bringing pride to Serbian fans.
Team USA's Path to the Gold
Team USA clinched their 17th gold medal with a hard-fought 98-87 win over France in the finals. The star-studded team benefited significantly from Stephen Curry's presence, marking his inaugural Olympic appearance. Despite a slow start, where Curry scored just 12 points in the first four games, he found his rhythm when it mattered most.
Curry's standout moment came during the semifinals against Serbia, where he delivered an astonishing 36 points. His momentum continued into the final against France, adding 24 points and sinking four consecutive three-pointers in the game's closing moments. In a decisive stretch, Curry nailed 12 straight points, solidifying his status as one of the tournament's pivotal players.
Booker's Transformation
Devin Booker was another key player in Team USA's success, averaging 11.7 points per game with a remarkable 56.5% success rate from beyond the arc. Coach Steve Kerr was effusive in his praise, stating, "Devin was incredible. He completely changed his role from the NBA to now. He was kind of our unsung MVP."
Booker's performance was particularly impressive given his transition under Team USA dynamics, which differed significantly from his role with the Phoenix Suns. Booker, who is entering his 10th season with the Suns, has demonstrated a newfound versatility and resilience. Last season, he enjoyed a career-high 6.3 assists per game and will now be guided by new head coach Mike Budenholzer.
France's Grit and Wembanyama's Rise
Despite falling short in the final, France showcased commendable grit throughout the tournament. Victor Wembanyama emerged as a beacon of hope for French basketball, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His all-around performance underscored his potential as a future star on the international stage.
France's Rudy Gobert, on the other hand, had his contributions limited due to a finger injury. Gobert was restricted to just 21 minutes over the last three games, impacting France's defensive potency.
A New Chapter for the Warriors
Beyond the Olympics, the NBA landscape is also witnessing significant shifts. The Golden State Warriors are on the brink of a new era without Klay Thompson, signaling a period of transition for the franchise that has been synonymous with success.
The 2024 Olympics not only highlighted the prowess of some of basketball's finest athletes but also set the stage for emerging talents and evolving team dynamics. As the dust settles, the memories of these exhilarating games are sure to inspire and influence the upcoming basketball seasons, both domestically and internationally.