Unsurprisingly, the United States won gold in men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The NBA All-Stars defeated France 98-87 in the final.
The Americans are thus crowned champions for the fifth consecutive Games and for the 17the times in 20 participations.
It was a repeat of the final three years ago in Tokyo, which ended 87-82.
PHOTO MARK J. TERRILL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The star duo, formed by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, wished the French “good night” at the end of the match
Stephen Curry led the attack with 24 points.
He made four three-pointers in the final three minutes of the game, including one that sealed the victory for his team with 79 seconds left on the clock.
“It’s an incredible moment! I’ve been fortunate enough to play basketball at a high level for a very long time. It’s a very powerful moment in my career in terms of excitement and relief, because I’ve reached the finish line. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to experience it,” Curry said.
-
PHOTO DAMIEN MEYER, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Gershon Yabusele will long remember his dunk on LeBron James in the Finals
-
PHOTO ARIS MESSINIS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James fight over a rebound
-
PHOTO MARK J. TERRILL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bam Adebayo attempts a dunk
-
PHOTO BRIAN SNYDER, REUTERS
Anthony Edwards completes the alley-oop
-
PHOTO MARK TERRILL, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
LeBron James tries to block Gershon Yabusele’s shot
1/5
His performance greatly impressed his coach, Steve Kerr.
“It’s one of the biggest games of his career,” he said. “His shots were just unbelievable. In those circumstances, on the road, in Paris, against France for a gold medal, it’s a tall tale. But that’s what Steph does. He likes to be in the story books.”
Kevin Durant scored 15 points to win his fourth gold medal, a record for men.
LeBron James added a third to his collection. He delivered a solid performance with 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
In the French camp, young sensation Victor Wembanyama led the charge with 26 points in his first major competition in the blue jersey.
His teammate Gershon Yabusele had 20 points in the loss.
In the bronze medal match, Serbia beat Germany 93-83.