In the aftermath of Team USA’s thrilling victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, LeBron James and Steph Curry, two of basketball’s biggest stars, have been the talk of the town. The duo, who once faced off as fierce rivals in the NBA playoffs, have now joined forces to bring home Olympic gold, and their camaraderie has been on full display.
Curry recently took to Instagram to share a series of celebratory photos capturing the essence of Team USA’s gold medal triumph. The post included iconic snapshots of Curry with LeBron James and Kevin Durant, his trademark “night-night” celebration, a memorable shot over France’s towering Victor Wembanyama during the gold-medal game, and an image of him proudly carrying the USA flag.
LeBron James, never one to shy away from social media interactions, quickly jumped into the comments section of Curry’s post to show his admiration and support. He commented, “Damn skippy!!!! 🫡🙏🏾🇺🇸🥇,” an expression of excitement and respect for his teammate’s contributions to their shared Olympic success.
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Steph Curry’s performance in the gold medal game against France was nothing short of spectacular. The Golden State Warriors star led Team USA with 24 points, adding five assists and two steals to his stat line. But it wasn’t just the numbers that stood out; it was the timing and significance of his shots that truly made the difference.
One of the most iconic moments of the game came with just 36 seconds left on the clock. Double-teamed by Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier, Curry managed to launch a clutch three-pointer that all but sealed the victory for Team USA. The shot pushed their lead to 96-87, putting the game out of reach for the host nation.
Steph Curry with the dagger over two defenders. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/isK7Ess8sW
— Positive Residual (@presidual) August 10, 2024
Throughout the tightly contested match, Team USA struggled to pull away from a determined French side. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Curry, known for his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, began his shooting spree. He nailed four crucial three-pointers in the final period, including a step-back shot and the game-sealing dagger over two defenders.
Curry’s performance in the gold medal game was a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure, something LeBron James acknowledged and celebrated in his Instagram comment. The respect between the two superstars, forged through years of competing at the highest level, was evident in this public display of camaraderie.
LeBron James’ praise for Steph Curry wasn’t the only recognition the Golden State star received. Both Lebron James and Steph Curry were named to the Paris 2024 Olympics All-Star Five, a prestigious honor that highlights the top performers of the tournament.
LeBron James, who was named the MVP of the Olympics, had an outstanding tournament himself. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, leading Team USA to their fifth consecutive gold medal. James’ versatility and leadership were on full display as he became the first player in Olympic history to record multiple triple-doubles, a feat that spanned over 12 years. His first triple-double came during the 2012 London Olympics, where he posted 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists against Australia. His second came in this year’s semifinals against Serbia, where he recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Steph Curry, who joined Lebron James on the All-Star Five, also had an impressive tournament, averaging 14.8 points per game on an incredible 47.8% shooting from three-point range. In addition to his scoring, Steph Curry contributed 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best shooters in the world.
The All-Star Five of the Paris 2024 Olympics was rounded out by France’s Victor Wembanyama, Serbia’s Nikola Jokic, and Germany’s Dennis Schroder. Each of these players played a pivotal role in their respective teams’ successes throughout the tournament.
Victor Wembanyama, the French phenom, led his team with 15.8 points per game and added 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Despite France’s loss in the final, Wembanyama’s performance confirmed his status as one of the most exciting young talents in international basketball.
Nikola Jokic, the Serbian superstar and reigning NBA MVP, was instrumental in his team’s bronze medal finish. Jokic averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around brilliance. In the bronze-medal game, Jokic recorded just the fifth triple-double in Olympic history, with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Germany’s Dennis Schroder also had a standout tournament, averaging 17.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Schroder’s leadership and playmaking were crucial to Germany’s success, as they advanced further than many had predicted.
The 2024 Paris Olympics not only highlighted the dominance of Team USA but also showcased the rising global talent in basketball. Players like Wembanyama and Jokic represent the future of the sport, challenging established stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry.
LeBron’s praise for Curry is a reflection of the mutual respect that has developed between these two basketball legends, despite their fierce rivalry in the NBA. Their collaboration on the Olympic stage is a reminder of the power of teamwork and the global nature of the game.
As we move forward, the question remains: How long will Team USA continue to dominate international basketball, and who will emerge as the next global superstar to challenge the throne?
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