LeBron James, Team USA win the gold medal, beating France in Paris

France never gave up, but Team USA controlled the game and ultimately came out victorious to earn the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics.

Team USA dominated France, winning 98-87 to earn their fifth straight gold medal on Saturday.

Steph Curry was a star among stars, hitting eight 3-pointers, including four in the fourth to seal the result for the Americans.

LeBron James had another strong performance, scoring 14 points on 6-10 shooting, dishing out ten assists and grabbing six rebounds.

Anthony Davis came off the bench and had eight points, ten rebounds and four blocks en route to his second gold medal.

LeBron established the energy immediately, dunking to start the scoring for Team USA. He followed that up with an impressive block on Guerschon Yabusele and a gorgeous behind-the-back pass to Devin Booker.

Victor Wembanyama led the French with seven points in the opening quarter to keep them within striking distance, but the USA maintained control and were up 20-16 after one quarter of play.

France went on a 10-4 run to start the second quarter and Steve Kerr quickly brought LeBron and Steph Curry back into the game.

Bron scored, Booker converted on a 3-pointer and USA was back on top by two points midway through the frame. Curry responded with a 3-pointer of his own and after a LeBron and one play, USA was back in control. When we reached the halftime break, Team USA was up by eight.

The second half started just like the first, with a basket by LeBron to extend the USA lead to double figures. France struggled to score throughout the third quarter as Team USA extended their advantage by as many as 14.

Bron took a rest with 2:11 left in the third and Davis was subbed in and stepped up, scoring a basket and protecting the rim relatively well.

France forced a turnover late and scored a last-second basket, but USA still led 72-66 after 30 minutes of play.

The second half started just like the first, with a basket by LeBron to extend the USA lead to double figures. France struggled to score throughout the third quarter, as Team USA extended their advantage by as many as 14.

Kerr opted to start the final frame with Booker, Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, Davis and Bron on the floor. Davis started the scoring for Team USA in the fourth with a rebound and dunk to extend the lead back up to eight.

Midway through the quarter, LeBron had an emphatic dunk and it started to look like the Americans had the gold in hand.

France never quit and cut the deficit down to three with 2:58 left in the game.

USA stepped up in clutch time, however, with Curry hitting a 3-pointer followed by a big rebound by Durant and a pair of converted free throws by the Suns forward.

Curry then hit not one, not two, but three consecutive 3-pointers to ice the game. This was an absolutely incredible shooting display from the greatest 3-point shooter to have ever lived.

Booker made a layup to increase the advantage and Curry stole the ball from Isaïa Cordinier, giving USA possession once again.

Curry was tied up with a few seconds left and LeBron inbounded the ball to his Lakers teammate AD to end the game once and for all.

Key Takeaways

After a disappointing FIBA World Cup last year, Team USA brought their best to Paris and proved that while the world is catching up, the gap between America and the rest is still sizable.

Even at age 39, LeBron James is still the best player for the USA and a top candidate for the Olympics MVP award. Anthony Davis also had a respectable tournament, coming off the bench and being a defensive anchor for Team USA.

The men’s basketball gold medal is staying in the United States, where it belongs. While the landscape of international basketball will change over the next four years, expect Team USA to be favored when the Olympics come to Los Angeles in 2028.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.