The Golden State Valkyries etched their names into WNBA history by becoming the first-ever expansion team to qualify for the playoffs in their debut season after their pivotal 84-80 victory over the Dallas Wings.
This not only showcased their resilience but also secured their playoff berth, marking one of the most impressive inaugural campaigns the league has ever seen.
The Wings jumped to a 13-point lead in the second half, but the Valkyries rallied back with resolve to eventually take the win at the end.
Just as it has been all season long, the Valkyries did it with a team effort. Janelle Salaun poured in a team-high 19 points while Veronica Burton delivered the dagger three-point play with just 22.3 seconds left, followed by four clutch free throws to ice the win. Carla Leite added 15 points, while Monique Billings came up with a key block in the final minutes.
The electrifying energy of a sold-out Chase Center &ndash; nicknamed &ldquo;Ballhalla&rdquo; by fans &ndash; fueled the Valkyries&rsquo; late-game heroics in front of a packed house and crowd.
With the win, Golden State (now holding a 23&ndash;18 record) officially claimed the sixth seed in the eight-team playoff bracket and currently sits within striking distance of a higher seed.
They will face the third seed in the first round, with their matchup still based on the final seeding which could still shift over the remaining regular-season games.
ANALYSIS: This is a first-year miracle for an expansion franchise, as no other expansion team in WNBA history has made the playoffs in their debut year. The Valkyries' run defied expectations &ndash; from roster construction in picking the right players from different teams to run their desired system to the translation of their on-court chemistry.
The Valkyries have also set league expansion records, as they have sold out every home game (averaging over 18,000 fans at "Ballhalla") and energized the Bay Area sports scene.
Their leadership has been nothing short of phenomenal, led by head coach Natalie Nakase, GM Ohemaa Nyanin, and team president Jess Smith by delivering an effective blueprint for elite performance under debut-season constraints.
Overcoming deficits, injuries, and lineup turnover, the Valkyries leaned on depth, cohesion, and incredible poise never before seen from a first-year squad &ndash; deemed worthy enough for their first-ever playoff appearance.

The Golden State Valkyries etched their names into WNBA history by becoming the first-ever expansion team to qualify for the playoffs.

WNBA: Golden State Valkyries clinch playoff spot in inaugural season

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have taken their offseason overseas, headlining a promotional tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers. Both James and Edwards drew huge crowds of fans, highlighting both their global star power and the NBA&rsquo;s growing presence in international markets.
James, entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to leverage his long-standing partnership with Nike as he promotes the LeBron 23. Edwards, meanwhile, is on tour with Adidas to launch the AE 2, his latest sneaker release.
LeBron James: Forever King Tour with Nike
LeBron James is returning to China for his 15th tour with Nike &ndash; aptly named the "Forever King Tour." The tour, which celebrates his two decades as a cultural ambassador, kicks off in September and spans Shanghai and Chengdu, where he&rsquo;ll engage with fans, participate in grassroots clinics, and support players in the Nike RISE program. The timing also hints at a possible reveal of the Nike LeBron 23 during his visit.
Anthony Edwards: AE 2 Debut on the "Believe That" Tour
Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is pioneering his first-ever trip to China with Adidas on the "Believe That. Tour." Kicking off in Shanghai and wrapping up in Beijing (with a stop in Chengdu), the eight-day tour spans immersive activations, surprise fan appearances, and cultural excursions like visits to the Great Wall and &ldquo;Ant Farm,&rdquo; a basketball experience platform.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
LeBron&rsquo;s Forever King Tour taps into legacy and mentorship. Anthony Edwards&rsquo; AE 2 launch &ndash; and the "Believe That" tour &ndash; gamely positions him as Adidas&rsquo; next global icon. As the sneaker wars heat up, these tours are bringing culture-driven sneaker diplomacy to a whole new level.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have taken their offseason overseas, headlining a promotional tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers. Both James and Edwards drew huge crowds of fans, highlighting both their global star power and the NBA&rsquo;s growing presence in international markets.
James, entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to leverage his long-standing partnership with Nike as he promotes the LeBron 23. Edwards, meanwhile, is on tour with Adidas to launch the AE 2, his latest sneaker release.
LeBron James: Forever King Tour with Nike
LeBron James is returning to China for his 15th tour with Nike &ndash; aptly named the "Forever King Tour." The tour, which celebrates his two decades as a cultural ambassador, kicks off in September and spans Shanghai and Chengdu, where he&rsquo;ll engage with fans, participate in grassroots clinics, and support players in the Nike RISE program. The timing also hints at a possible reveal of the Nike LeBron 23 during his visit.
Anthony Edwards: AE 2 Debut on the "Believe That" Tour
Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is pioneering his first-ever trip to China with Adidas on the "Believe That. Tour." Kicking off in Shanghai and wrapping up in Beijing (with a stop in Chengdu), the eight-day tour spans immersive activations, surprise fan appearances, and cultural excursions like visits to the Great Wall and &ldquo;Ant Farm,&rdquo; a basketball experience platform.
&nbsp;
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
LeBron&rsquo;s Forever King Tour taps into legacy and mentorship. Anthony Edwards&rsquo; AE 2 launch &ndash; and the "Believe That" tour &ndash; gamely positions him as Adidas&rsquo; next global icon. As the sneaker wars heat up, these tours are bringing culture-driven sneaker diplomacy to a whole new level.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have taken their offseason overseas, headlining a promotional tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers. Both James and Edwards drew huge crowds of fans, highlighting both their global star power and the NBA&rsquo;s growing presence in international markets.
James, entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to leverage his long-standing partnership with Nike as he promotes the LeBron 23. Edwards, meanwhile, is on tour with Adidas to launch the AE 2, his latest sneaker release.
LeBron James: Forever King Tour with Nike
LeBron James is returning to China for his 15th tour with Nike &ndash; aptly named the "Forever King Tour." The tour, which celebrates his two decades as a cultural ambassador, kicks off in September and spans Shanghai and Chengdu, where he&rsquo;ll engage with fans, participate in grassroots clinics, and support players in the Nike RISE program. The timing also hints at a possible reveal of the Nike LeBron 23 during his visit.
Anthony Edwards: AE 2 Debut on the "Believe That" Tour
Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is pioneering his first-ever trip to China with Adidas on the "Believe That. Tour." Kicking off in Shanghai and wrapping up in Beijing (with a stop in Chengdu), the eight-day tour spans immersive activations, surprise fan appearances, and cultural excursions like visits to the Great Wall and &ldquo;Ant Farm,&rdquo; a basketball experience platform.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Anthony Edwards 2. Believe That. <a href="https://twitter.com/theantedwards_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theantedwards_</a> <a href="https://t.co/0bPW7so7Mv">pic.twitter.com/0bPW7so7Mv</a>
&mdash; adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/adidasHoops/status/1959655033244717547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
LeBron&rsquo;s Forever King Tour taps into legacy and mentorship. Anthony Edwards&rsquo; AE 2 launch &ndash; and the "Believe That" tour &ndash; gamely positions him as Adidas&rsquo; next global icon. As the sneaker wars heat up, these tours are bringing culture-driven sneaker diplomacy to a whole new level.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have taken their offseason overseas, headlining a promotional tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers. Both James and Edwards drew huge crowds of fans, highlighting both their global star power and the NBA&rsquo;s growing presence in international markets.
James, entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to leverage his long-standing partnership with Nike as he promotes the LeBron 23. Edwards, meanwhile, is on tour with Adidas to launch the AE 2, his latest sneaker release.
LeBron James: Forever King Tour with Nike
LeBron James is returning to China for his 15th tour with Nike &ndash; aptly named the "Forever King Tour." The tour, which celebrates his two decades as a cultural ambassador, kicks off in September and spans Shanghai and Chengdu, where he&rsquo;ll engage with fans, participate in grassroots clinics, and support players in the Nike RISE program. The timing also hints at a possible reveal of the Nike LeBron 23 during his visit.
&nbsp;
Anthony Edwards: AE 2 Debut on the "Believe That" Tour
Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is pioneering his first-ever trip to China with Adidas on the "Believe That. Tour." Kicking off in Shanghai and wrapping up in Beijing (with a stop in Chengdu), the eight-day tour spans immersive activations, surprise fan appearances, and cultural excursions like visits to the Great Wall and &ldquo;Ant Farm,&rdquo; a basketball experience platform.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Anthony Edwards 2. Believe That. <a href="https://twitter.com/theantedwards_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theantedwards_</a> <a href="https://t.co/0bPW7so7Mv">pic.twitter.com/0bPW7so7Mv</a>
&mdash; adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/adidasHoops/status/1959655033244717547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
LeBron&rsquo;s Forever King Tour taps into legacy and mentorship. Anthony Edwards&rsquo; AE 2 launch &ndash; and the "Believe That" tour &ndash; gamely positions him as Adidas&rsquo; next global icon. As the sneaker wars heat up, these tours are bringing culture-driven sneaker diplomacy to a whole new level.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have taken their offseason overseas, headlining a promotional tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers. Both James and Edwards drew huge crowds of fans, highlighting both their global star power and the NBA&rsquo;s growing presence in international markets.
James, entering his 23rd NBA season, continues to leverage his long-standing partnership with Nike as he promotes the LeBron 23. Edwards, meanwhile, is on tour with Adidas to launch the AE 2, his latest sneaker release.
LeBron James: Forever King Tour with Nike
LeBron James is returning to China for his 15th tour with Nike &ndash; aptly named the "Forever King Tour." The tour, which celebrates his two decades as a cultural ambassador, kicks off in September and spans Shanghai and Chengdu, where he&rsquo;ll engage with fans, participate in grassroots clinics, and support players in the Nike RISE program. The timing also hints at a possible reveal of the Nike LeBron 23 during his visit.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fit for a King. Introducing the LeBron XXIII. Give your game the royal treatment every time you grace the court. Arriving 10.3. Get notified on SNKRS. <a href="https://t.co/en9ITzQOpl">pic.twitter.com/en9ITzQOpl</a>
&mdash; Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikebasketball/status/1963366224483815822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Anthony Edwards: AE 2 Debut on the "Believe That" Tour
Anthony Edwards, on the other hand, is pioneering his first-ever trip to China with Adidas on the "Believe That. Tour." Kicking off in Shanghai and wrapping up in Beijing (with a stop in Chengdu), the eight-day tour spans immersive activations, surprise fan appearances, and cultural excursions like visits to the Great Wall and &ldquo;Ant Farm,&rdquo; a basketball experience platform.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Anthony Edwards 2. Believe That. <a href="https://twitter.com/theantedwards_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theantedwards_</a> <a href="https://t.co/0bPW7so7Mv">pic.twitter.com/0bPW7so7Mv</a>
&mdash; adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/adidasHoops/status/1959655033244717547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
LeBron&rsquo;s Forever King Tour taps into legacy and mentorship. Anthony Edwards&rsquo; AE 2 launch &ndash; and the "Believe That" tour &ndash; gamely positions him as Adidas&rsquo; next global icon. As the sneaker wars heat up, these tours are bringing culture-driven sneaker diplomacy to a whole new level.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Anthony Edwards have been on a tour in China to showcase their newest signature sneakers.

Sneaker Diplomacy: LeBron James, Anthony Edwards bring the heat to China

The NBA is once again shaking up its All-Star Game format &ndash; this time with a bold international twist.&nbsp;
According to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania, the 2026 edition will feature a three-team, round-robin tournament comprising two U.S. teams and one World team. Each squad will have eight players, totaling to the usual 24-man all-star teams.
Games will follow a &ldquo;Ryder Cup&ndash;style&rdquo; structure, with 12-minute quarters, and the team with the best record across the matchups will take home the honor.
The proposal was presented by the league and NBPA to the NBA&rsquo;s Competition Committee, where it received a largely positive reception from stakeholders, including governors, executives, and players, according to Charania.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California &ndash; home of the Los Angeles Clippers.&nbsp;
The game will switch from primetime to a Sunday afternoon slot, aligning with NBC&rsquo;s Winter Olympics coverage on NBC (and streaming via Peacock), as part of the NBA's new media partnership&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: With this new format, this injects global rivalry and stakes as it taps into national pride and global competition, potentially sparking higher player engagement and viewer interest.
The NBA is also seemingly seeking redemption after the 2025 All-Star format &ndash; a four-team, target-score tournament &ndash; was deeply criticized and led to a 13% drop in TV ratings.
This new format is also leveraging Olympic timing and coverage as February of 2026 coincides with the Winter Olympics. NBC aims to cross-promote basketball and Olympic content, potentially boosting viewership across both events.
Finally, this move might be aiming to capitalize on the NBA&rsquo;s international superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the world squad promises serious star power.

The NBA is once again shaking up its All-Star Game format – this time with a bold international twist.

NBA 2026 All-Star Game reimagined as USA vs. World with three-team, round-robin format

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with forward P.J. Washington, locking in a key two-way starter through the 2029&ndash;30 season, his agency confirmed. The agreement was first reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Washington, 27, is entering the final season of his current deal ($14.1 million in 2025&ndash;26). Because he signed an extension, he cannot be traded for the remainder of this season under NBA rules.
Acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, Washington quickly became a fixture around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving with switchable defense and catch-and-shoot spacing. Last season he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 57 games for Dallas, helping stabilize the forward rotation after the Mavs&rsquo; 2024 run to the NBA Finals.
ANALYSIS: This move ensures continuity at the wing position for Dallas, as it retains a starter-level forward who defends up and down lineups and fits cleanly to their system.
The deal ($22.5M average annual value) keeps another core salary on the books through the decade, giving Dallas stability but tightening future flexibility.
Expect Jason Kidd to keep leveraging Washington in switch-heavy groups with Dereck Lively II and (when small) Anthony Davis alongside incoming no.1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, while Dallas continues to hunt margins around its star guard with shooting and size on the wing.

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with forward P.J. Washington.

Mavericks re-sign P.J. Washington to four-year, $90 million extension

As EuroBasket 2025 continues to unfold, the tournament is becoming a showcase of NBA pedigree in full force. Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are delivering superstar performances for Serbia, Slovenia, and Greece, while Alperen Sengun, Lauri Markkanen, and Germany&rsquo;s duo of Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner are emerging as breakout contributors in their own right.
Jokic &mdash; Serbia&rsquo;s All-Around Titan
On a mission to add EuroBasket gold to his illustrious resume, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of dominant. In Serbia&rsquo;s latest group-stage clash against Latvia, he poured in a career-best 39 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and tallied four assists &ndash; all while shooting a perfect free-throw performance and steering his country into the knockout phase with a 3&ndash;0 record.
With that feat, Jokic surpassed his previous personal best for Serbia at EuroBasket and now stands as the all-time Serbian scoring leader in tournament history. His consistent double-doubles &ndash; like 23 points and 19 rebounds against Portugal &ndash; underscore the blend of scoring, playmaking, and interior dominance that continue to separate him from the rest.
Doncic &mdash; Slovenia&rsquo;s High-Octane Maestro
Luka Doncic, known for theatrical individual brilliance, continues that trend in Poland. His historic 26-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist effort in a 17-point win over Belgium illustrated his ability to carry an entire country&rsquo;s offense despite roster limitations.
Earlier in the tournament, against Poland, Doncic posted a historic stat line of 34 points and 9 assists with 5 steals &ndash; a performance unmatched in EuroBasket history. Though Slovenia&rsquo;s group-stage position remains precarious, Doncic&rsquo;s heroics have not only kept them competitive but captivated fans worldwide.
Antetokounmpo &mdash; Greece&rsquo;s Freak of Nature
Giannis Antetokounmpo has conducted a masterclass in efficiency and power. In a crushing 94&ndash;53 victory over Georgia, he delivered 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in just 25 minutes &ndash; setting the tone early with relentless physicality and defensive pressure.
Already a tournament favorite, Giannis&rsquo;s presence makes Greece a legitimate medal threat, blending offensive ferocity with lockdown defense in ways only he can.
Emerging Stars &mdash; Markkanen, Sengun, Schroder &amp; Wagner
The NBA spotlight extends beyond to the younger stars, such as:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lauri Markkanen (Finland) continues to live up to &ndash; and perhaps exceed &ndash; his high expectations. He dropped 43 points in just 23 minutes against Great Britain, following up with averages of 32.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, while posting a scorching 71% true shooting percentage through Finland's first three games.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Alperen Sengun (Turkey) has been like Jokic as an all-around wrecking ball for Turkey, and experts already regard Turkey as a dangerous group-stage rival largely thanks to his versatility and all-court prowess.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Germany enters the EuroBasket as one of the tournament favorites armed with veteran savvy and youthful skill. Led by Dennis Schroder alongside emerging talent Franz Wagner, Germany is aiming to win the regional meet especially after their World Cup triumph last 2023.</li>
</ul>
EuroBasket 2025 is affirming its role as not just a continental championship &ndash; but a global stage where basketball&rsquo;s biggest names meet national pride. Jokic is rewriting Serbian tournament lore with efficiency and versatility. Doncic remains an offensive force capable of nearly single-handedly carrying his team. Giannis, true to form, dominates physically and defensively. Meanwhile, Markkanen&rsquo;s scoring torridness, Sengun&rsquo;s rising versatility, and Germany&rsquo;s balanced duo present compelling storylines that could influence this tournament&rsquo;s elite trajectory.

As EuroBasket 2025 continues to unfold, the tournament is becoming a showcase of NBA pedigree in full force.

Jokic, Doncic, Antetokounmpo show out in EuroBasket

The stage is set for one of international basketball&rsquo;s premier events. The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tips today, and a long list of NBA players will be trading their club jerseys for their national colors for this summer.
This year&rsquo;s competition features a loaded field of European stars, including MVPs, All-Stars, and young prospects eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. From Nikola Jokic anchoring Serbia to Giannis Antetokounmpo powering Greece and Luka Doncic leading Slovenia, some of the NBA&rsquo;s brightest names will headline what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of the NBA talent set to suit up for EuroBasket 2025, followed by a guide on everything you need to know about the competition.
<h2>NBA players on EuroBasket rosters</h2>
Czechia &ndash; Vit Krejci (Hawks) Krejci gives Czechia size and versatility in the backcourt and frontcourt positions. While not a high-usage player in the NBA, he&rsquo;s expected to play a larger role as a two-way player for his national team.
Latvia &ndash; Kristaps Porzingis (Hawks) Porzingis remains the cornerstone for Latvia. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man will be critical in a team that thrives on perimeter shooting.
Portugal &ndash; Neemias Queta (Celtics) Queta will carry the banner for Portugal as their first true NBA-level player. His rim protection and rebounding presence as well as his inside scoring make him central to Portugal&rsquo;s chances of competing in a tough field.
Serbia &ndash; Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Clippers), Nikola Jovic (Heat), Tristan Vukcevic (Wizards) Serbia looks like a powerhouse. Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, is the ultimate centerpiece who can dominate games with scoring, passing, and rebounding. Bogdanovic adds elite shooting and experience, while Jovic and Vukcevic provide youth and depth to keep Serbia dangerous across all positions.
Turkey &ndash; Alperen Sengun (Rockets), Adem Bona (76ers) Sengun, one of the NBA&rsquo;s brightest young centers, will be Turkey&rsquo;s go-to option on offense. Bona, fresh off his rookie NBA campaign, brings athleticism and defensive intensity in the paint.
Finland &ndash; Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) Markkanen is Finland&rsquo;s unquestioned leader and most reliable scorer. After an All-Star leap in the NBA, he&rsquo;ll be expected to carry the Finnish offense against the continent&rsquo;s top teams.
Germany &ndash; Dennis Schroder (Kings), Franz Wagner (Magic), Tristan da Silva (Magic) The reigning World Cup champions return with Schroder orchestrating the offense and Wagner providing wing scoring and star power. Da Silva, fresh from his rookie year, adds another versatile forward to the mix for Germany.
Lithuania &ndash; Jonas Valanciunas (Nuggets) Valanciunas anchors Lithuania&rsquo;s traditional inside-out game. His physicality and rebounding remain vital, particularly against Europe&rsquo;s other elite big men.
Montenegro &ndash; Nikola Vucevic (Bulls) Vucevic is Montenegro&rsquo;s main offensive hub. His inside-out skill set gives them a consistent scoring option in a balanced lineup.
Sweden &ndash; Pelle Larsson (Heat) Larsson, fresh off his rookie season in the NBA, offers Sweden perimeter shooting and length on the wing. He&rsquo;ll have to play above his experience level to make a real impact.
Bosnia and Herzegovina &ndash; Jusuf Nurkic (Jazz) Nurkic provides size, toughness, and leadership. His interior presence will be Bosnia&rsquo;s best weapon against stronger rosters.
Georgia &ndash; Goga Bitadze (Magic), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Raptors) Georgia has two NBA frontcourt players in Bitadze and Mamukelashvili. Both bring size, energy, and interior defense, giving Georgia a physical edge.
Greece &ndash; Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) The two-time NBA MVP returns as Greece&rsquo;s undisputed leader. Giannis&rsquo; all-around dominance makes Greece a perennial threat when he&rsquo;s on the floor.
Italy &ndash; Simone Fontecchio (Heat) Fontecchio, a reliable floor spacer and shooter, will take on a heavy scoring load for Italy.
Spain &ndash; Santi Aldama (Grizzlies) Aldama&rsquo;s versatility fits perfectly into Spain&rsquo;s balanced style of play. He can stretch defenses with his shooting while also rebounding effectively.
France &ndash; Guerschon Yabusele (Knicks), Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks), Alex Sarr (Wizards) France boasts one of the deepest NBA contingents. Yabusele provides veteran stability, while Coulibaly, Risacher, and Sarr bring an injection of youth and athleticism. This blend of talent makes France a legitimate title contender.
Israel &ndash; Deni Avdija (Blazers) Avdija has steadily improved as a two-way forward in the NBA, and he&rsquo;ll now be Israel&rsquo;s top playmaker and scorer.
Slovenia &ndash; Luka Doncic (Lakers) Doncic headlines Slovenia as one of the most electrifying players in the world. He&rsquo;s capable of single-handedly carrying his country deep into the tournament, just as he has in previous years.
These eighteen NBA franchises will see their players in action. The Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards lead the way with three representatives each. The Nuggets, Jazz, and the Wizards have multiple players in the field, while even smaller-market teams like the Raptors and Trail Blazers will be represented.
<h2>Everything you need to know about EuroBasket 2025</h2>
The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket will feature 24 teams split into four groups of six. Each group will play a single round-robin, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout stages.
The knockout phase includes the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, a Third-Place Game, and the Final, ensuring plenty of high-stakes basketball.
Beyond continental bragging rights, EuroBasket also serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and global rankings. The competition has long been a proving ground where NBA players elevate their national teams while rising European prospects showcase their skills on a world stage.
With superstars like Jokic, Giannis, and Doncic leading the way, and promising youngsters like Risacher, Sarr, and Jovic making their mark, EuroBasket 2025 has the talent and storylines to deliver one of the most memorable editions in recent history.

The stage is set for one of international basketball&rsquo;s premier events. The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tips off today, and a long list of NBA players will be trading their club jerseys for their national colors for this summer.
This year&rsquo;s competition features a loaded field of European stars, including MVPs, All-Stars, and young prospects eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. From Nikola Jokic anchoring Serbia to Giannis Antetokounmpo powering Greece and Luka Doncic leading Slovenia, some of the NBA&rsquo;s brightest names will headline what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of the NBA talent set to suit up for EuroBasket 2025, followed by a guide on everything you need to know about the competition.
<h2>NBA players on EuroBasket rosters</h2>
Czechia &ndash; Vit Krejci (Hawks) Krejci gives Czechia size and versatility in the backcourt and frontcourt positions. While not a high-usage player in the NBA, he&rsquo;s expected to play a larger role as a two-way player for his national team.
Latvia &ndash; Kristaps Porzingis (Hawks) Porzingis remains the cornerstone for Latvia. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man will be critical in a team that thrives on perimeter shooting.
Portugal &ndash; Neemias Queta (Celtics) Queta will carry the banner for Portugal as their first true NBA-level player. His rim protection and rebounding presence as well as his inside scoring make him central to Portugal&rsquo;s chances of competing in a tough field.
Serbia &ndash; Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Clippers), Nikola Jovic (Heat), Tristan Vukcevic (Wizards) Serbia looks like a powerhouse. Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, is the ultimate centerpiece who can dominate games with scoring, passing, and rebounding. Bogdanovic adds elite shooting and experience, while Jovic and Vukcevic provide youth and depth to keep Serbia dangerous across all positions.
Turkey &ndash; Alperen Sengun (Rockets), Adem Bona (76ers) Sengun, one of the NBA&rsquo;s brightest young centers, will be Turkey&rsquo;s go-to option on offense. Bona, fresh off his rookie NBA campaign, brings athleticism and defensive intensity in the paint.
Finland &ndash; Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) Markkanen is Finland&rsquo;s unquestioned leader and most reliable scorer. After an All-Star leap in the NBA, he&rsquo;ll be expected to carry the Finnish offense against the continent&rsquo;s top teams.
Germany &ndash; Dennis Schroder (Kings), Franz Wagner (Magic), Tristan da Silva (Magic) The reigning World Cup champions return with Schroder orchestrating the offense and Wagner providing wing scoring and star power. Da Silva, fresh from his rookie year, adds another versatile forward to the mix for Germany.
Lithuania &ndash; Jonas Valanciunas (Nuggets) Valanciunas anchors Lithuania&rsquo;s traditional inside-out game. His physicality and rebounding remain vital, particularly against Europe&rsquo;s other elite big men.
Montenegro &ndash; Nikola Vucevic (Bulls) Vucevic is Montenegro&rsquo;s main offensive hub. His inside-out skill set gives them a consistent scoring option in a balanced lineup.
Sweden &ndash; Pelle Larsson (Heat) Larsson, fresh off his rookie season in the NBA, offers Sweden perimeter shooting and length on the wing. He&rsquo;ll have to play above his experience level to make a real impact.
Bosnia and Herzegovina &ndash; Jusuf Nurkic (Jazz) Nurkic provides size, toughness, and leadership. His interior presence will be Bosnia&rsquo;s best weapon against stronger rosters.
Georgia &ndash; Goga Bitadze (Magic), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Raptors) Georgia has two NBA frontcourt players in Bitadze and Mamukelashvili. Both bring size, energy, and interior defense, giving Georgia a physical edge.
Greece &ndash; Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) The two-time NBA MVP returns as Greece&rsquo;s undisputed leader. Giannis&rsquo; all-around dominance makes Greece a perennial threat when he&rsquo;s on the floor.
Italy &ndash; Simone Fontecchio (Heat) Fontecchio, a reliable floor spacer and shooter, will take on a heavy scoring load for Italy.
Spain &ndash; Santi Aldama (Grizzlies) Aldama&rsquo;s versatility fits perfectly into Spain&rsquo;s balanced style of play. He can stretch defenses with his shooting while also rebounding effectively.
France &ndash; Guerschon Yabusele (Knicks), Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks), Alex Sarr (Wizards) France boasts one of the deepest NBA contingents. Yabusele provides veteran stability, while Coulibaly, Risacher, and Sarr bring an injection of youth and athleticism. This blend of talent makes France a legitimate title contender.
Israel &ndash; Deni Avdija (Blazers) Avdija has steadily improved as a two-way forward in the NBA, and he&rsquo;ll now be Israel&rsquo;s top playmaker and scorer.
Slovenia &ndash; Luka Doncic (Lakers) Doncic headlines Slovenia as one of the most electrifying players in the world. He&rsquo;s capable of single-handedly carrying his country deep into the tournament, just as he has in previous years.
These eighteen NBA franchises will see their players in action. The Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards lead the way with three representatives each. The Nuggets, Jazz, and the Wizards have multiple players in the field, while even smaller-market teams like the Raptors and Trail Blazers will be represented.
<h2>Everything you need to know about EuroBasket 2025</h2>
The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket will feature 24 teams split into four groups of six. Each group will play a single round-robin, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout stages.
The knockout phase includes the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, a Third-Place Game, and the Final, ensuring plenty of high-stakes basketball.
Beyond continental bragging rights, EuroBasket also serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and global rankings. The competition has long been a proving ground where NBA players elevate their national teams while rising European prospects showcase their skills on a world stage.
With superstars like Jokic, Giannis, and Doncic leading the way, and promising youngsters like Risacher, Sarr, and Jovic making their mark, EuroBasket 2025 has the talent and storylines to deliver one of the most memorable editions in recent history.

The stage is set for one of international basketball’s premier events. The 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tips off today

NBA players set for action at 2025 FIBA EuroBasket

Popular basketball video game NBA 2K has released its player ratings, with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.
Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, the last two NBA MVP winners, both earn a staggering 98 OVR, tying for the highest overall ratings in NBA 2K26 and reaffirming their league dominance heading into the new season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo lands at 97 OVR, securing the third spot and maintaining elite-caliber status for the Bucks.
Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards round out the top 5 &ndash; both rated 95 OVR &ndash; showcasing their impact with their teams as they look for playoff success next season.
Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama follow suit, all clocking in at 94 OVR, rounding out the league&rsquo;s highest-rated talent.
Kevin Durant comes in at 93 OVR to round out the top 10 and just leaves the 94 club by a hair.
<h3>Notable Patterns from the Ratings</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dual Kings: The only pair sharing the No. 1 spot &ndash; a rare distinction for Jokić and SGA&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lakers&rsquo; Unique Placement: The Lakers are the only team with two players in the top 10 &ndash; LeBron and Luka.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Youth Rising: Anthony Edwards and Wembanyama's elite ratings reflect their ascent into the game's elite tier/</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Enduring Legends: LeBron (94), Curry (94), and Durant (93) demonstrate that age hasn't slowed down their virtual &ndash; and real-life &ndash; relevancy.</li>
</ul>
These ratings don&rsquo;t just reflect career narratives, but shape how fans play the game. With preorders live and NBA 2K26 launching September 5, this list informs strategy for gamers &ndash; determining who you build around in MyTEAM, MyCAREER, or MyGM modes.

NBA 2K has released its player ratings, with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.

Jokic, SGA stand atop NBA 2K26 player ratings

The Chicago Bulls have officially announced that they will retire Derrick Rose&rsquo;s No. 1 jersey next season.&nbsp;
The ceremony is scheduled for January 24, 2026, following a home game against the Boston Celtics at the United Center &ndash; a symbolic matchup, given Rose&rsquo;s impactful early playoff history against them.
Rose will join an elite list of Bulls legends whose numbers hang in the rafters: Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Jerry Sloan (4), and Bob Love (10).
When the announcement was delivered, Rose was visibly moved &ndash; even brought to tears &ndash; underscoring how deeply personal this honor is for the former MVP, via TalksportWFNZ Radio.
As part of the season-long tribute, the Bulls are planning an immersive experience, including a&nbsp; postgame ceremony on January 24 which will officially raise the jersey, and special figurines celebrating different chapters of Rose's career will be distributed on four select home game dates.&nbsp;
This tribute isn&rsquo;t just about honoring a player &ndash; it&rsquo;s celebrating the legacy of a hometown hero. Rose revitalized the Bulls franchise at a young age, becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011 and reclaiming Chicago&rsquo;s relevance in the league.
Rose will be permanently immortalized alongside Chicago's pantheon of basketball royalty. It&rsquo;s more than a jersey retirement &ndash; it&rsquo;s a homecoming, a thank-you to a player who carried the city&rsquo;s hopes and earned his place among the all-time greats.

The Chicago Bulls have officially announced that they will retire Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey next season.

Bulls to retire Derrick Rose's no. 1 jersey

For much of this season, it felt like the Las Vegas Aces were sleepwalking. The two-time defending champions stumbled out of the gates to start the season, unable to string together consistent wins, looking far from the juggernaut that had terrorized the WNBA over the past two summers. Critics circled, doubt crept in, and whispers of a dynasty unraveling began to surface.
Through it all, A&rsquo;Ja Wilson stayed steady.
And now, as the Aces have rattled off nine straight victories, Wilson has reminded the league &ndash; and the world &ndash; exactly who she is.
Over this scorching run, Wilson has been nothing short of historic. She delivered the first 30-point, 20-rebound stat line in WNBA history, a testament to her sheer dominance on both ends of the floor. She&rsquo;s scored 30 or more points in four of the nine games, imposing her will offensively while anchoring Las Vegas&rsquo; defense. The Aces, once floating outside the upper tier of the standings, are suddenly right back in the thick of the playoff picture, now sitting at the No. 3 seed.
This surge hasn&rsquo;t just been about winning games. It has been about reasserting Wilson&rsquo;s place at the top of the basketball hierarchy.
<h3>A reminder of greatness</h3>
When Las Vegas was losing early, it almost felt like people forgot. Wilson &ndash; a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Olympic gold medalist &ndash; was suddenly viewed as secondary in conversations about the best player in the world. Napheesa Collier and the league-best Minnesota Lynx drew the spotlight. Breanna Stewart, fresh off her title run in New York, remained a constant measuring stick. And with the Aces vulnerable, Wilson&rsquo;s brilliance was easier to overlook.
Even NBA 2K leaned into the narrative, releasing ratings that had Wilson just behind Collier. No disrespect to Collier &ndash; who has been phenomenal this year and is very much an MVP frontrunner &ndash; but Wilson&rsquo;s case isn&rsquo;t about who&rsquo;s having the better season. It&rsquo;s about who holds the crown when everything is on the line. And time and time again, Wilson has proven that the crown still belongs to her.
What makes Wilson the best in the world isn&rsquo;t just her numbers &ndash; though they are staggering. It&rsquo;s that at 6-foot-5, she can do everything a modern superstar needs to do. She can dominate inside with post-ups and rolls to the rim. She can step out and knock down jumpers. She can attack off the bounce like a guard. She rebounds relentlessly, blocks shots as the anchor of the defense, and even facilitates for her teammates when defenses send multiple bodies her way.
Few players in the history of the league have ever possessed this kind of versatility. And fewer still have been able to pair it with the consistency Wilson brings every single night.
<h3>Carrying the weight of expectations</h3>
What makes Wilson&rsquo;s current stretch even more impressive is the context. The Aces were vulnerable &ndash; and in the WNBA, that&rsquo;s rare for them. Their early-season struggles had many questioning if the dynasty window was closing. Was the roster too top-heavy? Was the wear-and-tear of consecutive title runs finally showing?
Instead of folding under the weight of those questions, Wilson absorbed them and responded with one of the best stretches of her career. She didn&rsquo;t just save the Aces&rsquo; season &ndash; she reminded everyone that Las Vegas&rsquo; championship pedigree begins and ends with her.
That&rsquo;s the definition of the best player in the world.
Wilson&rsquo;s greatness extends beyond the box score. It&rsquo;s the way her presence warps defenses, the way her intensity raises the level of her teammates, the way opponents know they have to prepare for her every second she&rsquo;s on the court.
In a league where talent has never been deeper, where stars are emerging left and right, Wilson still feels like the constant. She&rsquo;s the player you trust when the stakes are highest, the one you&rsquo;d bet on in a must-win game.
That&rsquo;s why her recent tear carries so much weight. It&rsquo;s not just domination for domination&rsquo;s sake. It&rsquo;s a reminder: this is still A&rsquo;Ja Wilson&rsquo;s league. Everyone else is just trying to catch her.
<h3>Respecting the competition, claiming the throne</h3>
None of this is to diminish what Collier and the Lynx have accomplished. Minnesota&rsquo;s resurgence has been one of the best stories in the league, and Collier has been spectacular. She may very well win MVP this season.
But the title of &ldquo;best player in the world&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t always align perfectly with MVP voting. Sometimes, it&rsquo;s about more than a single year&rsquo;s worth of stats. It&rsquo;s about sustained dominance, the ability to elevate your team when everything is against you, and the proof that when it matters most, no one else can match your impact.
Wilson has proven it in championships. She&rsquo;s proven it with her defense, her scoring, her rebounding. And now, with her back against the wall earlier this season, she&rsquo;s proven it once again by dragging her team back into contention.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
As the Aces continue to climb, the spotlight is returning to Wilson. The doubters have quieted. The conversations are shifting. And the league is being forced to reckon with the fact that, even in a year where other stars are shining, A&rsquo;Ja Wilson still stands tallest.
She doesn&rsquo;t just want to win games &ndash; Wilson wants to remind everyone who she is: the heartbeat of a dynasty, the cornerstone of her franchise, and the player who, no matter what happens this season, has earned the right to be called the best in the world.

A’Ja Wilson has powered the Aces back into contention, proving once again why she remains the best player in the world.

A’Ja Wilson reminds everyone why she’s the best player in the world

In a breathtaking final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Australia ousted China, 90-89, to secure their third consecutive FIBA Asia Cup title.&nbsp;
The Boomers survived China, who built a huge 15-point lead in the first half, which was a powerful testament to their dominance in the competition.
China stunned the Boomers early in the second quarter, paced by Hu Jinqiu and Hu Mingxuan&rsquo;s scoring surge.&nbsp;
Australia&rsquo;s comeback began in earnest in the second half, trimming the deficit to just four points by halftime. Then, the final quarter turned into a nail-biter. William Hickey gave the Boomers a critical late lead, and although China fought back, Hu Mingxuan&rsquo;s last-second three-point attempt rimmed out, sealing Australia's victory.
Xavier Cooks, who was named the Final MVP, powered the win with 30 points on 13-of-17 shooting and nine rebounds. Jaylin Galloway, delivering in his first Asia Cup Final, drilled six threes and poured in 23 points, earning Tournament MVP and a spot on the All-Star Five, alongside teammate Jack McVeigh.
William Hickey played a pivotal role in crunch time, recording 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, including clutch plays that shifted momentum.
China's valiant effort was led by Hu Mingxuan&rsquo;s 26 points and Hu Jinqiu&rsquo;s 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, keeping things tight until the final buzzer.
With this win, Australia remains undefeated in Asia Cup play, now boasting an 18-0 record since its debut in 2017. They join China as only the second nation in tournament history to achieve a three-peat, China having previously done so in 2003.
Despite the loss, China's resurgence &ndash; returning to the Finals for the first time since 2015 &ndash; signals promising momentum. Team captain Zhao Rui highlighted this as merely the beginning of the revival of Chinese basketball.

Australia ousted China, 90-89, to secure their third consecutive FIBA Asia Cup title.

Australia edges China to rule FIBA Asia Cup once more

The NBA has unveiled the complete 2025-26 regular-season schedule for all 30 teams.
This schedule marks a full 82-game slate &ndash; though two games per team will remain TBD and depend on the outcomes of the upcoming NBA Cup.
A landmark 11-year media rights overhaul introduces NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video into the mix alongside ESPN/ABC, replacing Turner Sports' TNT coverage. This reshuffles the national broadcast schedule:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">ABC: Saturdays and Sunday afternoons</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">ESPN: Wednesdays and Fridays</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">NBC &amp; Peacock: Sundays and Tuesdays (NBC returns to NBA for first time in 24 years)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prime Video: Multiple slots, including Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays</li>
</ul>
Highlight Matchups &amp; Calendar Showcase
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Opening Night (Oct 21): Thunder vs. Rockets (Durant returns home) and Lakers vs. Warriors (LeBron vs. Curry trailer), both airing on NBC.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thanksgiving Week: Kevin Durant debuts in Phoenix (Nov 24); Anthony Davis faces the Lakers (Nov 28).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Key Rivalries:</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Celtics vs. Trail Blazers (Jrue Holiday's return and Lillard&rsquo;s homecoming) on Jan 26</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Lakers in Cleveland on Jan 28&mdash;likely LeBron&rsquo;s final Hometown game.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Christmas Day: A five-game slate with eight Western Conference teams among the ten participants.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rivalry &amp; Rookie Spotlights: Flagg&rsquo;s debut vs. Wembanyama in opening week; You&rsquo;ll also see showdowns like Ja Morant vs. Zion Williamson and a potential MLK Day Finals preview of Thunder vs. Cavaliers.</li>
</ul>
This scheduling is showing that the NBA is subtly balancing star-driven programming with strategic spacing &ndash; eight out of ten Christmas Day teams come from the West due to key Eastern injuries and reduced star movement.&nbsp;
The teams are assigned 80 initial games, with the final two per team hinge on NBA Cup performance, weaving the in-season tournament into the broader schedule narrative.
This schedule launch marks a seismic shift in the NBA's presentation, distribution, and storytelling. With a newly-balanced media ecosystem, major returns (e.g., NBC), and a league structure built to showcase stars and rivalries, the 2025-26 season is set to redefine how basketball is broadcast &ndash; and how fans experience the game.
&nbsp;

The NBA has unveiled the complete 2025-26 regular-season schedule for all 30 teams.

NBA releases full schedule for 2025-2026 season

One year ago, under the lights of the Accor Arena in Paris, Team USA stood atop the basketball world once again. It wasn&rsquo;t just another medal ceremony; it was a statement. A reminder that, even in the ever-evolving global basketball landscape, the United States could still summon greatness when it mattered most.
The 2024 Olympic Games marked the fifth straight Summer Olympics where USA Basketball captured gold, a streak that stretches back to Beijing 2008. But unlike some previous runs, Paris demanded everything from this star-studded roster. This was a journey defined not just by talent but by resilience, pride, and the unshakable bond of a group of legends writing their final chapter together.
<h3>Early dominance, then a true test</h3>
From the opening tip of the tournament, Team USA was locked in. Group stage matchups and the quarterfinals were clinics in execution, suffocating defense, and offensive firepower. The roster&rsquo;s depth &ndash; from its seasoned veterans to prime stars &ndash; overwhelmed opponents before games even reached the fourth quarter.
Joel Embiid&rsquo;s size and skill gave Team USA a dominant paint presence, while Devin Booker&rsquo;s steady shooting and defensive grit rounded out a versatile rotation. Kevin Durant, chasing yet another Olympic gold to cement his legacy as arguably the greatest player in USA Basketball history, brought poise and scoring precision in every outing.
Even the bench guys, who are typically stars for their teams in the NBA, brought something to the table. Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Tyrese Haliburton, and Derrick White all had their moments in the Olympic run.&nbsp;
But gold never comes without a challenge, and in Paris, that challenge wore Serbia&rsquo;s colors.
The semifinal clash with Serbia was not the walkover many had predicted. Serbia, powered by relentless ball movement and elite shot-making, punched first and didn&rsquo;t let up. By halftime, Team USA found itself rattled, trailing by double digits.
The gap only grew in the third quarter. When the horn sounded to end the frame, the scoreboard told the story &ndash; USA down by 13, just 10 minutes from watching their gold medal dreams fade. The Paris crowd, sensing a monumental upset, buzzed with anticipation.
And then the OG trio happened.
<h3>LeBron, Steph, KD in the biggest stage</h3>
It&rsquo;s rare in sports to witness a moment where history, legacy, and performance converge so perfectly. The fourth quarter against Serbia was one of them. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant &ndash; three of the greatest players of their generation &ndash; seized control of the game in a way that only they could.
LeBron attacked the paint, absorbing contact and finishing through defenders, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break points. Durant&rsquo;s mid-range mastery became the dagger of the comeback, with his last jumper to put Team USA up by four a reminder of why he has been the ultimate international weapon for the U.S. for over a decade. And Curry&hellip; well, Curry turned the court into his personal stage, raining threes for the entire game that bent the momentum entirely.
By the time the buzzer sounded, Team USA had flipped the deficit into a gritty, come-from-behind win. The gold medal game awaited, and standing in the way was the host nation, France.
<h3>Paris showdown: Steph&rsquo;s Gold Medal masterpiece</h3>
France had waited for this moment &ndash; a shot at redemption after falling to the U.S. in the gold medal game at Tokyo 2020. Backed by a raucous home crowd and armed with a disciplined, physical defense, they pushed Team USA to the brink.
The final minutes of the gold medal game will forever be remembered as Steph Curry&rsquo;s night.
With the game hanging in the balance, Curry delivered a performance for the ages. In the last three minutes alone, he hit four three-pointers, each one more improbable than the last. The last one, a high-arcing rainbow over two closing defenders, was the &lsquo;golden dagger&rsquo; &ndash; as called by play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle on the broadcast. As it splashed through the net, Curry turned, eyes half-closed, hands tucked under his cheek: his iconic &ldquo;night night&rdquo; celebration has rocked the crowd in Paris and echoed throughout with the whole world watching.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read USA 98, France 87. The gold medal was theirs. The Paris crowd could only applaud the brilliance they had just witnessed.
<h3>A legacy sealed</h3>
For LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, Paris was more than another tournament &ndash; it was likely their last dance on the Olympic stage. All three had nothing left to prove individually, but together, they created a send-off worthy of their legendary careers.
Durant claimed his fourth Olympic gold medal, further separating himself as USA Basketball&rsquo;s all-time scoring leader. LeBron&rsquo;s leadership, versatility, and ability to elevate his teammates reminded fans why he&rsquo;s one of the most complete players the sport has ever seen. And Curry, finally competing in his first Olympics, delivered a gold medal moment that instantly became part of basketball lore.
Joel Embiid and Devin Booker may not have had their names in as many headlines, but their contributions were vital. Embiid&rsquo;s rim protection and all-world scoring gave the U.S. a safety net on both ends, while Booker&rsquo;s steady shooting and on-ball defense kept opposing wings in check. Together, this group of stars bridged generations &ndash; past, present, and future &ndash; to keep the gold medal tradition alive.
<h3>The weight of five straight</h3>
Winning one Olympic gold medal is difficult. Winning five in a row requires decades of commitment, a system that adapts to the international game, and players willing to set aside egos for the greater good. The Paris run was proof that USA Basketball could still blend superstar power with the unselfishness and precision needed to win in today&rsquo;s global game.
The rest of the world has never been stronger. International talent floods the NBA every year, with the past 7 NBA MVP winners all coming from outside the US. Teams like Serbia, France, Spain, and Australia have proven they can beat anyone on any given day. That reality made Paris 2024&rsquo;s gold all the more special &ndash; the U.S. didn&rsquo;t just show up and dominate; they faced adversity and rose above it.
Now, a year removed from that night in Paris, the images remain vivid. LeBron, Curry, and Durant embracing at midcourt. Curry&rsquo;s &ldquo;night night&rdquo; in front of a stunned French crowd. The gold medals draped around necks as the Star-Spangled Banner echoed through the arena.
It was a night that wasn&rsquo;t just about basketball. It was about pride, perseverance, and the rare joy of seeing legends rise to the occasion one last time. For the fifth straight Olympics, USA Basketball stood alone on the summit &ndash; and in doing so, reminded the world why they remain the standard.

One year ago, Team USA claimed its 5th straight Olympic gold in Paris behind Steph Curry’s clutch heroics, cementing a legacy.

This day a year ago: Team USA wins gold in the Paris Olympics

Mon Anthony Valmoria is the lead NBA writer for BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;