Steph Curry delivered an unforgettable moment during the gold medal game at the Paris Olympics, and his spectacular shot over France’s Victor Wembanyama quickly became iconic.
On August 10, Curry led Team USA to a 98-87 victory, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal. His performance was particularly electrifying in the final minutes, as he hit four crucial three-pointers in the last 2:48 of the game, preventing France from closing the gap.
One of the most memorable highlights came when Curry launched a high-arching shot over the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, solidifying his place in Olympic history. Curry’s sharpshooting, including eight three-pointers and 24 points overall, was pivotal in sealing the win.
Steph Curry Finishes Strong for Team USA
Despite a shaky start at the Paris Olympics, Curry delivered two standout performances when it mattered most. In the semifinals, he scored 36 points, leading Team USA from a 17-point deficit to victory over Serbia and securing a spot in the gold medal game.
In the final, Curry’s precision from beyond the arc was key. His 12 points in the closing 2:48 helped keep France at bay. After Wembanyama’s tip-in cut the lead to three, Curry responded with a crucial three-pointer. He continued to counter France’s attempts to close the gap, answering a jump shot by Nando De Colo and a three-pointer by Nicolas Batum with shots of his own.
Steph Curry Speaks Out After Joining Exclusive Club
Following the victory, Curry reflected on the significance of the win. At 36, it was his first Olympic appearance, and he described the experience as both exhilarating and relieving. “I’ve been blessed to play basketball at a high level for a very long time,” Curry told NBC News. “This ranks very high in terms of the excitement and the sense of relief in getting to the finish line.”
Curry acknowledged the challenges faced, including playing in France’s home arena and the limited time the team had to gel. He praised his teammates for overcoming early struggles and highlighted the crucial nature of his final shots. “There was a little bit of that new team dynamic, and we got a bit out of sorts down the stretch,” Curry said. “That big shot to put us up six settled everything, and thankfully the other three went in.”
Curry Joins Elite Company
Curry’s gold medal win further cements his place among basketball’s elite. The victory puts him in a select group of players who have earned an NBA championship, a regular season MVP award, a Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal. This exclusive club includes fellow Team USA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, along with legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O’Neal.