Team USA Men’s Basketball Beats France, Wins Olympic Gold

The United States men’s basketball team defeated France, 98-87, to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday.

The French pulled within three points during the fourth quarter. But Steph Curry, competing in his first Olympics, finished with 24 points on eight 3-pointers, including four triples over a two-plus-minute stretch, to clinch a USA victory. LeBron James, 39, captured his third Olympic gold medal after posting 14 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Kevin Durant, named in the starting lineup for the first time at the Paris Games, scored 15 points to clear his 13.5 over-under prop and become a four-time gold medalist.

Saturday's final was a rematch of the Tokyo Olympic final. The United States came into the final as 16-point favorites, with odds listed at -1600 to win Saturday. France, the host nation, was a +820 underdog. 

Team USA held a 49-41 lead at halftime and were available to live bet as as -3500 favorites. France was listed at +1400.The French closed the gap entering the fourth, trailing 72-66, but the U.S. was still live favorites at -2500.

Saturday’s victory marks the U.S.’s fifth straight Olympic gold medal. The American men have now won 17 of the 20 Olympic competitions they’ve played in. While they’re within striking distance of matching their longest winning streak (seven straight, from 1936 to 1968), the Paris Olympics have offered a stark reminder of how the world is closing the gap on the U.S.

The U.S.'s men's team entered the Olympics as heavy favorites to win the competition. But they needed a huge comeback to overcome Serbia in a thrilling semifinal matchup.

Meanwhile, France is anchored by Victor Wembanyama, who scored a game-high 26 points. The phenom’s presence should continue to keep the French among the favorites in future Olympiads.