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USA basketball likely created some origin stories for young hoopers in France…
The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded Sunday. I have to say it was a good spectacle that started with a metal band (Gojira) on the world stage and ended with the Americans tying China with 40 gold medals to lead all nations.
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We also learned that Australia should never be allowed to participate in breakdancing ever again, and that pole vaulters shouldn’t have a big pole.
But basketball is my top sport at the Summer Olympics, so that’s naturally where my focus is. USA basketball likely created some origin stories for young hoopers in France this weekend by beating both national teams in the gold medal games to continue their superiority.
It was a perfect ending for the men’s team of this era, and a close call for the women.
…..Any questions??? #usabasketball 🥇 🥇 pic.twitter.com/QFaSohfjuV
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 11, 2024
Three Cheers for FIBA Rules
First, can I just say how great the FIBA product is compared to NBA games?
These games had outstanding pacing with limited commercial breaks, not as many weak fouls, and fewer timeouts. I also like how every 3-point shot is from the same distance (22.15 feet) unlike in the NBA (corner is shorter).
Even the sound of the rims on misses was cooler.
The Old Guard Leads Team USA to Fifth Straight Gold
After facing little resistance on the way to a 4-0 start, the men’s team had to grind out some tough wins in the final games against Serbia and France.
The 17-point comeback against Serbia was sparked by Steph Curry’s 36 points and a triple-double from LeBron James. The old guard, including Kevin Durant, were at it again in the gold medal game when Curry’s iconic finish with four made 3s put the game away.
The NBA rumors are true: Curry is the best shooter ever. After years of rooting against Curry for being a cocky frontrunner on the Warriors, it felt great to enjoy one of his nuclear runs. Still cool to see LeBron pick up the MVP months shy of his 40th birthday too.
New angle of Steph Curry hitting the greatest shot in Olympic basketball history
Bro had the entire stadium hyped 😭🏅🐐 pic.twitter.com/0IGrETFlYT
— ³⁰chef curry (@shotbysteph30) August 11, 2024
But with their ages, this will likely be the final Olympics for James, Curry, and Durant. You can already see the struggle Team USA had against teams with Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Victor Wembanyama (France). You have to think 2028 will make them even more vulnerable without these legends as the new NBA elite are largely non-US players.
But what a finish for that generational group.
The Women Survive Their Own Scare vs. France
The Team USA women made their own history with a 61-game winning streak and eighth-straight gold medal. After a dominant 5-0 start, they too had to survive a 67-66 win for gold when France appeared to bank in a 3 at the buzzer, but the shooter’s foot was on the line.
The Greatest Dynasty Ever just got greater.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT pic.twitter.com/z85XUVZrF4
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
But the WNBA news here was on who didn’t make the 2024 women’s roster: Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom. If you check the stats, no one had more than 4 assists in the gold medal game. Think Clark could have helped with that?
But unlike the men, the women are in great shape for 2028 with Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers likely to join a talented roster with A’ja Wilson and company.
The women’s reign should continue but watch out for the men when the 2028 Olympics return to LA.
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