One year ago, under the lights of the Accor Arena in Paris, Team USA stood atop the basketball world once again. It wasn’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.

Early dominance, then a true test

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’s depth – from its seasoned veterans to prime stars – overwhelmed opponents before games even reached the fourth quarter.

Joel Embiid’s size and skill gave Team USA a dominant paint presence, while Devin Booker’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. 

But gold never comes without a challenge, and in Paris, that challenge wore Serbia’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’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 – 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.

LeBron, Steph, KD in the biggest stage

It’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 – three of the greatest players of their generation – 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’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… 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.

Paris showdown: Steph’s Gold Medal masterpiece

France had waited for this moment – 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’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 ‘golden dagger’ – 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 “night night” 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.

A legacy sealed

For LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, Paris was more than another tournament – 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’s all-time scoring leader. LeBron’s leadership, versatility, and ability to elevate his teammates reminded fans why he’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’s rim protection and all-world scoring gave the U.S. a safety net on both ends, while Booker’s steady shooting and on-ball defense kept opposing wings in check. Together, this group of stars bridged generations – past, present, and future – to keep the gold medal tradition alive.

The weight of five straight

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’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’s gold all the more special – the U.S. didn’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’s “night night” 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’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 – and in doing so, reminded the world why they remain the standard.