The 2024 Paris Olympics saw Team USA’s men’s basketball team secure yet another gold medal, led by some of the biggest names in the sport, including LeBron James and Steph Curry. However, the aftermath of the games has been marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the MVP award, which was handed to LeBron James. Former NBA star Stephon Marbury took to social media to express his dissatisfaction, insisting that the award should have gone to Steph Curry instead.
Stephon Marbury, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back in his criticism of the decision. He made his feelings clear by commenting on multiple posts, including one of his own, featuring a video clip of Curry’s clutch three-pointer over France’s Nicolas Batum and Guerschon Yabusele. This shot sealed the gold medal for Team USA. In a series of six comments, Marbury labelled the decision to award LeBron James the MVP as “wrong,” suggesting that the accolade was based on LeBron’s reputation rather than his performance in the finals.
“They gave the MVP to the wrong player,” Stephon Marbury wrote in his Instagram post. “Maybe they called out the wrong name by accident… In international ball, if you can’t shoot, you can’t have the ball at the end of the game.”
Marbury’s comments were pointed, especially when he remarked on the significance of shooting in international play, implicitly suggesting that Curry’s exceptional three-point shooting should have been the deciding factor in the MVP decision. Marbury added, “I get LeBron is the King to many, but let me say this: when you give him what he doesn’t deserve, you basically say that because of what he’s done, he should receive such a high honor on the biggest stage. No, he didn’t earn it this time.”
Steph Curry’s performance in the final against France was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 24 points, all from beyond the arc, hitting 8-of-12 from deep. In the final three minutes, with the USA holding onto a slim lead, Curry delivered four consecutive three-pointers, effectively quashing France’s hopes of an upset on their home turf. His shooting display in the clutch moments of the game was a clear demonstration of why many, including Marbury, believed he deserved the MVP award.
LeBron James, on the other hand, played a more facilitating role in the finals. While he did contribute 14 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists on 60% shooting, it was Curry who delivered the knockout blows that secured the victory. However, LeBron’s consistency throughout the tournament cannot be overlooked. He led Team USA in both rebounds and assists, averaging 6.8 and 8.5 respectively, while also scoring 14.2 points per game on an impressive 66% shooting.
Marbury pounds on Bron’s chest but Bron ignores him and chops it up with Melo never acknowledging CTEmarbury 🤣 pic.twitter.com/VEJLTAXFgk
— KD’s bald spot (@AllChainJames) August 11, 2024
Despite Curry’s heroics in the final moments, LeBron’s overall impact on the tournament was significant. He maintained a steady presence, particularly in the earlier rounds, where Curry struggled with his shooting until the quarterfinals. LeBron’s ability to influence the game in multiple facets, acting as a Swiss army knife for Team USA, made him a reliable force throughout the Olympics.
The tension between Stephon Marbury and James was palpable even before the MVP controversy. Marbury attended the gold medal game, sitting courtside alongside Carmelo Anthony. After the final buzzer, Marbury congratulated LeBron on the win, but the gesture was not reciprocated by James. This subtle snub may have added fuel to Marbury’s public criticism.
Stephon Marbury, a two-time NBA All-Star, has a history of being vocal about his opinions, especially concerning LeBron James. His latest comments continue a pattern of critiquing LeBron’s game, particularly his shooting ability, which Marbury has often highlighted as a weakness in comparison to players like Curry.
Marbury’s argument centers on the idea that Curry’s performance in the semifinals and finals was the difference-maker for Team USA. Curry’s resurgence, particularly in the semifinals against Serbia where he scored 36 points on nine three-pointers, was crucial in turning the tide for the USA, who were down by 17 points at one stage. His ability to score under pressure and his knack for hitting clutch shots made a compelling case for his MVP candidacy.
LeBron James, however, was a model of consistency throughout the tournament. While Curry shone brightest in the final two games, LeBron’s contributions were steady and critical from start to finish. In the semifinals, he recorded a 16-point triple-double, and in the finals, his 14-point, 10-assist performance provided the backbone for Team USA’s offence. His role as a playmaker, combined with his leadership on and off the court, arguably made him the most valuable player throughout the entire tournament.
The debate over the MVP award highlights a classic sports dilemma: Should the MVP go to the player who delivered in the most crucial moments, or to the one who was consistently excellent throughout the event? Marbury’s passionate defence of Curry reflects a broader conversation in the sports world about the criteria for such awards. While LeBron James was ultimately deemed the most valuable player, Steph Curry’s clutch performances ensured that the debate would continue long after the final whistle.
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