PARIS — “A Gold Medal in Four Acts,” authored by and starring Wardell Stephen Curry
As the final buzzer echoed through the Bercy Arena, Stephen Curry embraced Kevin Durant at midcourt. Both players clutched a U.S. flag that enveloped them in a moment of triumph. This celebration marked not only their back-to-back NBA championships but also a historic victory on international soil: an Olympic gold medal. It was a rare achievement in basketball, especially as they faced the fervent support of a sellout crowd rooting passionately for the French national team, who aimed to deliver a stunning upset.
Despite the mounting pressure, Curry’s brilliance shone through. With four staggering 3-pointers in the final three minutes—each more spectacular than the last—he single-handedly secured the United States’ fifth consecutive gold medal in men’s Olympic basketball, ultimately defeating France with a score of 98-87. For Durant, this was a remarkable fourth gold medal, cementing his legacy as the greatest player in U.S. international basketball history. For Curry, at the age of 36, this was his first Olympic gold, and possibly his only chance at this pinnacle of achievement. His desire to win was palpable; he had long yearned for this moment.
“We always say, you do what the game calls for, and you find your rhythm in the flow,” Curry explained after the game. He had made eight 3-pointers during this decisive match, complementing the nine he scored in a thrilling comeback victory against Serbia in the semifinals. While LeBron James showcased his extraordinary skills throughout the tournament and earned MVP honors, it was Curry who became the indispensable player in the two crucial games that determined the final outcomes. His ability to rise above a challenging group stage, where his shooting had faltered, only adds to the legendary narrative surrounding his career.
“Coach (Steve Kerr) reminded me that the game will come to you if you allow it,” Curry recalled. “Even when I was struggling with my shots, I stayed engaged. That mindset helped me stay focused for these last two games, as the game required me to step up and deliver. You just have to maintain your confidence, remain present, and not let the moment overwhelm you.”
The excitement was palpable for Curry, who felt like “a little kid,” as USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill noted back in April, when he received the formal invitation to join the national team. After missing the opportunity due to injury in 2016 and opting out of the Tokyo games in 2021, Curry was determined to seize this chance. Once LeBron and Durant confirmed their commitment to the team, it was a foregone conclusion that Curry would follow suit. “I had two extra months to practice,” he said, referring to the Warriors’ absence from the playoffs that season.
Throughout the game, the U.S. team maintained an advantage for a significant portion of the contest. However, a series of careless mistakes late in the third quarter, compounded by more errors in the fourth, allowed France to seize an opening. They capitalized on the dwindling deficit, trimming a 13-point lead down to six by the end of the third quarter. With just 3:32 left on the clock, they narrowed it to three points, thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s explosive offensive rebound dunk, igniting a frenzy among the fans at Bercy Arena. The atmosphere was electric as the dream of avenging their loss to the U.S. in Tokyo began to feel possible.
“Down the stretch, Steph took over,” Kerr commented. “He even suggested during a timeout, ‘Let’s run a clear side pick and roll with LeBron and clear the floor.’ I agreed, knowing that this strategy often yields favorable results.”
Act I
USA 82, France 79, 3:04 remaining
Curry executed a masterful shot fake on France’s Guerschon Yabusele, rising up from 26 feet right of the key. With Yabusele’s hands lowered, Curry drained a critical three-pointer, restoring the U.S. lead to six points. As he made his way back down the court, he gestured to the French crowd with a calming palms-down motion, urging them to temper their enthusiasm.
