Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA

United States vs France: Olympic Games – Final

The United States men’s basketball team will face off against France in the gold medal game of the 2024 Paris Olympics tournament at Accor Arena in Paris.

 

Team USA looks for their sixth consecutive gold

Team USA was pushed to the limits in the semifinals winning 95-91 after turning things around in the last two minutes of the game. Steph Curry played his best game in the national team jersey making nine three-pointers for 36 points. LeBron James recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. In the quarterfinals, they had no problems beating Brazil 122-87. In the group stage, Team USA had a perfect record winning all three games against Serbia, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan.

 

Can France keep the gold home?

France beat the odds to make it to the finals. They are coming off a 73-69 semifinal win over Germany. Guerschon Yabusele led the team with 17 points, one more than Isaia Cordinier. Victor Wembanyama finished the game with 11 points and 7 rebounds. In the quarterfinal, France defeated Canada 82-73. In the group stage, they lost to Germany and defeated Brazil and Japan.

 

Head-to-head

Team USA won 97-92 in the final of the previous Olympic games in Tokyo. That was their second game in Tokyo after France won in the group stage 83-76. France also won in the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, 89-79. Team USA won the three previous games, at the 2016 and 2012 Olympics and in a friendly game in 2010.

 

Prediction and Conclusion

Team USA came back from being 17 points down in the semifinals against Serbia, and they had to give their best to turn things around. Now, they are facing the home team, France, who would have the support of the home crowd. France have the players and the energy to have a chance in this game. Wembanyama may be a problem on both sides of the floor, and France has a couple of guys who can make shots from deep. Still, everything depends on Team USA and the way they will execute on offense. Team USA is a 16-point favorite, and France will be able to cover that spread.