Stephen Curry of the U.S. reacts during the men’s gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Paris.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Steph Curry electrifies Team USA in the fourth quarter, leading them to a gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics. This marks the fifth consecutive gold medal for the U.S.
In a tense final, Team USA needed a spark, and as he’s done throughout his career, Steph Curry delivered. With just 2:48 left and a narrow three-point lead, Curry crossed over France’s Guerschon Yabusele and sank a crucial 3-pointer, extending the lead to six. This was just the first of four 3-pointers Curry hit in the closing minutes.
The most significant of those came when the U.S. was up by six. Curry, guarded closely by Nic Batum and with Evan Fournier helping, dribbled behind his back and launched a deep three with only six seconds left on the shot clock. The shot was nothing but net, and the U.S. went on to win 98-87.
“That was an unbelievable moment,” Curry told NBC’s Mike Tirico. “I’ve been blessed to play basketball at a high level for a very long time. This ranks very high in terms of excitement and the relief of reaching the finish line.”
Curry finished with 24 points, all from beyond the arc.
After his 2022 NBA championship victory, Curry set his sights on an Olympic gold medal. Reflecting on the achievement, he said, “It is special. Two years ago, after our last championship, I knew this was on the horizon. These last five weeks with this team have been all about 1-2-3 gold. To finally achieve that and get a gold medal is insane. I thank God for the opportunity.”
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker added 15 points each, while LeBron James contributed 14 points. This victory marks the fifth consecutive gold medal for Team USA in men’s basketball and the fourth for Durant. France secured their second straight silver medal.
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