Farewell, Curry! Eight Threes and a Gold Medal: The Savior of Team USA Basketball

The 2024 Paris Olympics Men's Basketball Final was more than just a championship game—it was a historic moment, marking the last dance for three of the greatest players of this generation: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. For the first time ever, these three legends started together in a Team USA lineup, alongside Devin Booker and Joel Embiid. This dream team, assembled to defend their gold medal, faced an unexpectedly tough challenge from the host nation, France.

Coming off a grueling semifinal victory against Serbia, Team USA had learned a valuable lesson: never underestimate the competition. Determined to seize control from the start, they threw everything they had at France in the opening quarter. However, the French proved to be a much tougher opponent than anticipated, forcing a defensive struggle that saw Team USA lead by just five points, 20-15, after the first quarter.

The second quarter shifted gears dramatically, evolving into a fierce shootout. Every American player was ready to contribute, hoping to blow the game open before halftime. But that was when a familiar face from the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) emerged as an unlikely hero for France: Guerschon Yabusele. The former CBA star played with unmatched intensity, most notably delivering a thunderous dunk over LeBron James—a moment destined to become an Olympic classic.

Yes, a former CBA player posterized an NBA legend, creating an iconic moment that will be remembered in Olympic history. Every time Yabusele stepped to the free-throw line, chants of "MVP" echoed throughout the arena. In that moment, the likes of Victor Wembanyama, James, Durant, and Curry all seemed to fade into the background as Yabusele stole the spotlight.

Just before the half, Yabusele connected on a buzzer-beating shot over the outstretched arms of Anthony Davis, capping off a stellar first half in which he scored a game-high 15 points. Despite Team USA's best efforts, they led by only eight points at halftime, 49-41. It was clear that France, led by a former CBA standout, was not going to go down without a fight.

The second half continued to be a battle of wills. Team USA twice extended their lead to double digits, but each time, the resilient French squad clawed their way back. During the third quarter, "FIBA Jordan" Evan Fournier finally found his rhythm, scoring crucial baskets and becoming the focal point of France's offense. By the end of the quarter, France had outscored Team USA 25-23, cutting the deficit to just six points heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter was set for a dramatic finish. France, driven by determination and pride as the host nation, nearly tied the game. But then, as he's done so many times before, Stephen Curry took over. Transforming into the ultimate clutch performer, Curry drained four consecutive three-pointers, single-handedly extinguishing France's comeback hopes. With each shot, the gold medal slipped further out of France’s grasp.

"Goodnight, Paris." That was the sentiment as Curry delivered the knockout blow to secure Team USA's victory and their gold medal. In both the semifinal and the final, it was Curry who emerged as the savior of Team USA, proving that even in his first Olympic appearance, he remains the most unique and indispensable player on the court.

When the final buzzer sounded, Team USA had triumphed 98-87, successfully defending their gold medal and giving LeBron, Durant, and Curry the perfect send-off from international competition. Curry was simply unstoppable, finishing with a game-high 24 points, including 8-of-12 shooting from three-point range, along with 5 assists and 1 rebound. Durant added 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while James contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. Together, the trio combined for 53 points, 11 rebounds, and 19 assists—a fitting finale for three of the greatest players in basketball history.

But as we celebrate their triumph, it's also important to reflect on what lies ahead for Team USA. With the "Big Three" of LeBron, Durant, and Curry likely having played their final game for the national team, there are serious questions about the future of American basketball on the international stage. Winning gold with this squad was already a challenge; without them, what will happen at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

Some are already predicting that these Olympics will be the last time we see a true "Dream Team" from the United States. If that's true, then the landscape of international basketball is about to change dramatically. The days of American dominance may be over, ushering in an era where multiple nations are legitimate contenders for the gold. A more competitive and unpredictable Olympic tournament could be exactly what the sport needs to grow even more popular worldwide.

As we turn the page on this chapter of Olympic history, one name deserves special mention: Guerschon Yabusele. He may not have walked away with the gold, but his performance in this tournament, especially in the final, showed that players who develop their skills outside the NBA can still shine on the biggest stage. Yabusele finished the game with 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting, proving once again that CBA alumni can make a significant impact in international play.

The success of Yabusele and others like him has implications for the CBA itself. The league is set to implement a new rule next season, allowing teams that finished in the top 16 to have seven foreign players per game, while teams that finished in the bottom four can have eight. This change will likely bring even more international talent to the CBA, raising the level of competition and giving more players the chance to develop their game in a highly competitive environment.

Returning to the game, it’s clear that while Team USA emerged victorious, they were pushed to their limits by a determined French team led by a standout performance from a former CBA star. Stephen Curry may have been the difference-maker, but Yabusele’s heroics will be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament.

In the end, Team USA’s gold medal was hard-earned, a testament to the resilience and skill of their aging stars. As the basketball world bids farewell to Curry, Durant, and LeBron in the national team jersey, it’s clear that the sport is in for some exciting changes. Whether it’s the rise of international leagues like the CBA or the emergence of new Olympic contenders, basketball is evolving, and the days of one nation’s dominance may soon be over.

For now, though, we celebrate the incredible achievements of Stephen Curry, the man who saved Team USA’s gold medal hopes with his unforgettable performance. Farewell, Curry—you truly are the savior of American basketball.