The 2024 Paris Olympics will be forever etched in the memories of basketball enthusiasts and USA Basketball as a defining moment when a generation of all-time greats came together to win gold. The drama-filled victory over France on Saturday was not just about the medal but a celebration of the extraordinary legacies of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
For fans, it was a rare treat to see these legends sharing the court, working in perfect harmony, and playing at their peak on the international stage—a sight far too uncommon, even during All-Star Games.
For the players, it was an opportunity to cement their legacies in the most fitting way possible: with gold.
TEAM USA VICTORY HUDDLE! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/etUohomDTS
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) August 10, 2024
Leading the charge was Stephen Curry.
Even if Curry had opted to skip the Olympics and focus on his golf game this summer, his Hall of Fame induction as the greatest shooter of all time would have been a foregone conclusion. However, there was one glaring omission on his résumé—a gold medal. Curry addressed that in Paris, and in spectacular fashion. Across the final two games of the tournament, Curry scored 60 points, sinking 17 three-pointers, and propelling Team USA to victory.
His legacy, once incomplete, is now gleaming with Olympic gold.
But Curry wasn’t the only one to add to his storied career in Paris.
Kevin Durant came to the Olympics and made history. He surpassed Lisa Leslie to become the all-time leading scorer in USA Basketball Olympic history. Durant also became the first men’s basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals, an achievement that cements his status as arguably the greatest FIBA player ever. Durant’s love for the game is unparalleled—he thrives on being challenged, and the intensity of international competition fuels his passion. With a fourth gold medal around his neck, Durant has left an indelible mark on Olympic basketball.
STEPH WAS ICE COLD DOWN THE STRETCH. 🥶
Four three-pointers in TWO MINUTES AND 11 SECONDS to close out France for the gold medal. 🥇 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/2dR7UUE0Hn
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
LeBron James, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist, had nothing left to prove in terms of his legacy, which already places him in the GOAT conversation. Yet, at 39, he returned to the international stage, setting the tone for Team USA throughout the tournament. LeBron led the team with averages of 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game, earning him the title of Olympics MVP. His leadership and performance in Paris were a fitting chapter in his illustrious career.
Jrue Holiday also made history, joining Scottie Pippen as one of the only players to win an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal in the same year—twice. After achieving this feat in Tokyo following his NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, Holiday did it again in Paris as a member of the Boston Celtics.
⭐️ THE MVP OF #Paris2024 Men’s #Basketball ⭐️
LeBron James, United States of America 🇺🇸 👑 pic.twitter.com/7S6UWxvNPq
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 10, 2024
Looking ahead, the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 will likely feature a new generation of American talent. These rising stars will aim to make their mark on the international stage, potentially facing Victor Wembanyama and a hungry French team once more. But those battles are for the future.
The 2024 Paris Olympics allowed us to witness and celebrate the final, glorious chapter of one of the greatest generations of basketball players. Call it their swan song, their last dance—whatever you choose.
But one thing is certain: their legacies are golden.
Comments