HOSTS France put up a great resistance but they were ultimately overcome by a star-studded United States of America team in the men’s basketball final of the Paris 2024 Olympics tonight.
The USA team, powered by NBA superstars LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, prevailed 98-89 in the thrilling game in Paris.
The French, led by the most talented young player in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama, had hopes of toppling the Americans, especially after the US had a narrow escape against Serbia in the semi-final.
But the US were too strong, keeping the hosts at bay all game, despite loud support for France at the packed arena.
Curry scored a series of three-pointers late in the game when the French threatened a comeback.
The Golden State Warriors star drained eight of his 13 three-point attempts and contributed 24 points to prove vital for the perennial champions.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Wembanyama was France’s top scorer with 26 points.
Durant contributed 15 points, 4 assists and four rebounds, while James added 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
The US have now won gold at eight of the last nine Olympics, with the sole failure coming in 2004 in Athens.
With tonight’s victory, Durant became the first player to win four gold medals in men’s Olympic basketball history.
Durant has also scored the most points in USA Olympic history.
