The USA maintained their grip on the Olympic males’s basketball title by overwhelming hosts France to win a fifth successive gold medal in Paris.
A star-studded American group full of NBA icons, led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, demonstrated their high quality to win 98-87 amid a febrile environment at Bercy Enviornment.
The success noticed the present crop emulate the 1992 ‘Dream Staff’ which they’ve been commonly in comparison with.
In entrance of just about 20,000 boisterous followers, France refused to roll over and moved again inside three factors at 82-79 with the clock ticking down within the last quarter.
However Curry, as he so commonly does, immediately landed a three-pointer for 85-79 to ease the stress and swished three extra because the Individuals raced away.
“You simply merely marvel in his expertise,” stated James about Curry. “Clearly, I’ve seen it earlier than on the other aspect, you might have simply received to maintain discovering methods to maintain getting him the ball.”
Just about each US Olympic squad for the reason that Barcelona Video games has been in comparison with the aspect led by Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
Six groups have gained Olympic gold – however none have ever come near being revered like this Gen Z ensemble solid.
Now, after securing victory in Paris, a gaggle that includes 4 NBA common season MVP winners – James, Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid – 11 NBA All-Stars and 7 NBA champions needs to be talked about in the identical breath.
Curry was the focus of the American celebrations when the ultimate hooter went, hugged by his team-mates and draped in a Stars and Stripes flag by James.
“Stephen ended up being the distinction,” stated coach Steve Kerr. “The flurry on the finish of the sport was simply unimaginable. I’ve seen it a couple of occasions, however it by no means will get previous.
“However it’s the entire group, it is all 12 guys, these final six weeks of placing in a lot work.”
Curry stated: “There’s a variety of reduction. It wasn’t straightforward however I’m so excited. That is all the things that I needed it to be and extra.”