In Paris, France, anticipation is building for a highly awaited showdown: the U.S. men’s basketball team versus the French team for Olympic gold. The event will take place on Saturday night, rekindling memories of their gold medal clash at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
The U.S. aims for its fifth consecutive gold medal and 17th overall, while France is eager to capture its first gold after previously finishing with silver in 1948, 2000, and 2020, where they lost to the Americans each time. U.S. forward Kevin Durant expressed excitement about the storyline, noting how incredible it is, while guard Devin Booker emphasized that this match is exactly what everyone wants. Guard Stephen Curry added that they expect a fierce battle for the gold.
Both teams faced intense challenges to reach the final. France narrowly defeated World Cup champions Germany 73-69, celebrated enthusiastically on the court, while U.S. team overcame a significant deficit against Serbia, rallying from a 17-point second-quarter deficit to win 95-91 with a remarkable late-game surge.
Historically, this is the first time that both men’s basketball semifinals in the Olympics have been decided by four points or fewer. French coach Vincent Collet described the opportunity to play in the finals in Paris as a dream for the team, highlighting the determination of his players to not let the Germans take the final away from them.
The U.S. men’s basketball gold medal game is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, at 3:30 p.m. ET, available for live viewing on NBC and online streaming.
Reflecting on the semifinal matches, Curry scored 36 points, marking the second-highest score in U.S. Olympic men’s history. Notably, LeBron James achieved his second Olympic triple-double, while Durant’s clutch jumper helped secure their victory. In contrast, the French team’s success came from lesser-known players, with Guerschon Yabusele scoring 17 and Isaia Cordinier adding 16 points, as some of their star players struggled to find their rhythm.
Wembanyama discussed the French team’s progress throughout the tournament, emphasizing their improvement and commitment to teamwork. Now, the French team is set to face the American powerhouse in a home game atmosphere.
Historically, the U.S. held an undefeated record against France in the first eight international competitions, but recent encounters have seen the teams split their last four meetings, emphasizing the competitive nature of this rivalry.
As the game approaches, U.S. coach Steve Kerr noted the buoyant atmosphere in Paris, particularly highlighting crowd enthusiasm during matches. Music from the crowd, especially the song “Freed from Desire,” has created a spirited environment that he finds unforgettable.
With the stakes so high, both teams are ready to make their mark on the world stage, culminating in one decisive game for Olympic gold.