Steve Kerr, head coach of the men’s national basketball team, has praised Devin Booker as the “unsung MVP” following Team USA’s gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Devin Booker is an incredible basketball player. Nobody asked about him,” Kerr remarked during his press conference after the victory, as reported by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. “He was our unsung MVP. I just wanted to say that.”
In the gold medal match, Booker scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, contributing significantly to the Americans’ 98-87 win over France. He led the scoring for Team USA through the first three quarters before Stephen Curry took over in the final period.
Booker, along with his Phoenix Suns teammate Kevin Durant, helped establish an early lead against France by netting 10 of the first 12 points for Team USA. Later in the game, Booker facilitated Curry’s crucial three-pointers, which were instrumental in countering France’s late-game rally.
Both Booker and Durant have consistently proven to be essential players for Team USA. They played pivotal roles in the team’s comeback victory against Serbia in the semifinals, where they combined for eight points in just 45 seconds during the fourth quarter.
Their consistent performances have ensured their participation in every Olympic game, unlike other NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, who saw less action in critical moments. Kerr has shown his confidence in Booker by including him in key situations, placing him on the court alongside superstars like Durant, Curry, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James to secure Saturday’s gold medal victory.