The United States men’s basketball team secured their fifth consecutive gold medal by defeating France 98-87 in the Olympic final, showcasing a dominant performance throughout most of the game. Steph Curry, playing in his first Olympics, led the team with eight three-pointers and a total of 24 points. A major point of interest heading into the match was the participation of Jayson Tatum, who had been benched during previous games. He contributed modestly off the bench, attempting only three shots and making one, along with three rebounds. Jrue Holiday also came off the bench, scoring six points that included two crucial three-pointers and four assists. Unlike their semifinal match where they fell behind by 17 points, Team USA maintained their lead in the second half of this game.
In a separate event, Brittney Griner expressed her joy after winning her third Olympic gold medal, emphasizing that she plans to keep it alongside her newborn son, Bash. Griner’s victory marked a significant comeback, as just two years prior she was imprisoned in Russia for drug-related charges and uncertain about her future in basketball. After being released following a prisoner exchange, she returned to compete for the U.S. team. Griner reflected on her challenging journey, stating she now cherishes everyday moments more than before, particularly the opportunity to practice and play the sport she loves. She contributed to her team’s victory by scoring four points and grabbing two rebounds. The emotional medal ceremony included a moving moment for Griner during the national anthem, highlighting the depth of her experience over the past two years. After the celebration, she took a team selfie, proudly holding her gold medal.