by Jed Katz
The Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set between Team USA and France. In a rematch of the 2021 Gold Medal Game, it seems the two best teams will meet in an epic showdown.
Team USA secured their spot in the final with a dramatic 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semifinals. It was a nail-biter, with the United States overcoming a 20-point third-quarter deficit due to stellar performances from Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid.
The trio combined for an impressive 71 points, 24 rebounds, and 14 assists. Curry accounted for 36 of those points, and James had a historic triple-double of 16 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists.
France, without a comeback but in a similar fashion, edged out Germany with a 73-69 win in their semifinal match. Victor Wembanyama, Guerschon Yabusele, and Isaia Cordinier led the French team. While Wemby shot just 4-of-17 from the field, he had an impressive three blocks and seven rebounds.
Yabusele and Cordinier led the way on offense, combining 33 points on 13-of-24 shooting.
Team USA boasts a star-studded lineup of All-NBA talent, making it one of, if not the greatest, basketball teams ever assembled. Their offensive firepower is unmatched, as they averaged 106.8 points per game in the tournament. Transition opportunities have been and will continue to be their biggest strength.
Despite its offensive prowess, the United States has shown vulnerability in defense, particularly against teams with strong interior play. Nikola Jokic took advantage of poor decisions, so the US will have to limit double teams and switches, as that killed them against Serbia.
France’s defense has been its cornerstone, allowing it to stifle opponents and control the game’s pace. Wembanyama and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert’s paint presence is crucial. Additionally, playing at home provides a significant morale boost.
Offensively, France has struggled at times, particularly in shooting efficiency. Their reliance on Wembanyama can make them predictable, and they may find it challenging to keep up with the USA’s scoring pace. Gobert, who played just five minutes against Germany, should get more time or even the starting nod alongside Wemby.
Keys to Winning:
To secure victory, Team USA must maintain its offensive rhythm while tightening its defense. Limiting turnovers and exploiting their depth will be crucial. They must also find ways to neutralize Wembanyama’s impact in the paint, forcing France to rely on their guards.
For France, controlling the tempo and playing solid defense will be vital. They need to capitalize on their home court and get contributions from players beyond Wembanyama. Efficient shooting and minimizing mistakes will be critical to their success. It’s an uphill battle, but after seeing Serbia nearly do the impossible, there’s a chance they win with an abundance of NBA talent.
The Gold Medal Game will take place Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
