When USA Basketball opened its program to NBA players in 1992, the dominance of American teams swiftly sent shockwaves through the international competition. However, it soon became evident that the rest of the world was catching up.
Following a disappointing bronze medal finish in 2004, victories for Team USA on the Olympic stage were no longer guaranteed. The United States has only managed to win the FIBA World Cup twice out of six attempts since 1998, showcasing the growing competitiveness of international basketball.
Here’s a recap of some of the closest but victorious Olympic moments for Team USA since the inception of the Dream Team.
In 1992, during the gold medal game in Barcelona, Team USA faced Croatia and secured a decisive 117-85 win. With legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird leading the charge, the Americans showcased their dominance, overpowering Croatia, which had its share of NBA talent.
Fast forward to 1996 in Atlanta, where Team USA again faced Lithuania during group play. The Americans won 104-82, thanks to a strong lineup that featured Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. Despite Lithuania’s reputation as a formidable team, USA’s physicality and superior shooting proved too much to handle.
In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Team USA experienced a close call against Lithuania in the semifinals. Winning by a narrow 85-83 margin, the Americans were nearly sent home by a last-minute half-court attempt that fell short. This matchup highlighted the vulnerability of Team USA, amid their struggle with turnovers and free-throw shooting.
The 2004 Olympics in Athens saw Team USA enter with a newfound sense of urgency following a shocking loss to Puerto Rico. They managed to edge out Greece 77-71 in group play but faced further challenges later in the tournament, losing to Lithuania and then Argentina.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics marked the return of USA Basketball dominance with the Redeem Team, culminating in a 118-107 victory against Spain in the gold medal game. This much-anticipated matchup showcased an intense battle, with Kobe Bryant stepping up crucially in the final minutes.
In 2012, the Americans faced Lithuania again in group play, overcoming a stiff challenge to win 99-94, displaying the competitive nature of their matchup throughout the years.
Similarly, at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Team USA narrowly defeated Serbia 94-91 in group play, weathering a fierce comeback from the Serbians, led by Nikola Jokic.
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics featured an intense rematch in the gold medal game as Team USA faced France, which had previously beaten them in group play. The Americans clinched the gold with a 87-82 victory, largely thanks to Kevin Durant’s stellar performance.
Most recently, Team USA triumphed in the semifinals against Serbia, winning 95-91. The Americans staged a remarkable comeback from a 17-point deficit, with contributions from basketball icons LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant leading the charge.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Team USA continues to demonstrate its resilience and skill on the international stage, keeping an eye on the competition while aiming for gold.