PARIS – Team USA secured their fifth consecutive Olympic gold in men’s basketball, defeating host France 98-87 at the Paris Olympics on Saturday (The Philippines is six hours ahead of France).

Stephen Curry led the charge with 24 points, while LeBron James contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant added 15 points each, solidifying the win at Bercy Arena.

Despite a valiant effort from France’s Victor Wembanyama, who scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Guerschon Yabusele’s 20 points, France couldn’t overcome Team USA’s dominance. This marks France’s second consecutive silver medal, following their loss to the US in the Tokyo 2020 final.

Team USA continues to dominate Olympic basketball, claiming their 17th overall gold and maintaining a streak of victories since 2008, with the only exception being a bronze finish in 2004.

Serbia Takes Bronze

Earlier in the day, Serbia upset world champion Germany 93-83 to secure the bronze medal. Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, led Serbia with a triple-double, scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Franz Wagner was Germany’s top scorer with 18 points and nine rebounds.

ia/mnm/PNA/Anadolu