Who Won Gold in Basketball at the 2024 Olympics? Full Results Revealed

When people ask me about the most memorable moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics, my mind immediately goes to the basketball finals. As someone who’s covered international basketball for over a decade, I’ve witnessed dynasties rise and fall, but what happened in the gold medal game between Team USA and France was something truly special. The Americans ultimately claimed the gold with a hard-fought 98-87 victory, but the story goes far beyond the final scoreboard. What struck me most wasn't just the athletic brilliance on display, but the palpable sense of unity within the winning team—a quality that reminded me of a powerful quote I’d come across from one of the players during the preliminary rounds.

I remember watching an interview with one of Team USA’s key role players, where he spoke about the team’s chemistry. He said, "Sa game naman, sa team, wala naman akong adjustment na ginawa kasi very welcoming yung mga teammates ko binibigyan nila ako ng confidence, kaya ako nagkakaron ng ganung klaseng confidence dahil binibigay nila sakin." Loosely translated, he was emphasizing how he didn’t need to make major adjustments because his teammates were so welcoming and gave him the confidence to perform. That sentiment, for me, encapsulates why this particular US team succeeded where others have sometimes struggled. We often focus on star power—and with players like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker, they certainly had that—but the real magic was in how they functioned as a single unit. In past tournaments, we’ve seen superteams falter under the weight of individual egos, but here, the selflessness was staggering. I’ve analyzed countless games, and I can tell you that when a team’s assist-to-turnover ratio hits 2.4 like Team USA’s did in the final, it’s not just skill; it’s trust.

France put up an incredible fight, led by Victor Wembanyama’s 31 points and 12 rebounds. Honestly, I thought Wemby was going to will his team to victory single-handedly during that explosive third quarter where France cut a 15-point deficit to just 4. The atmosphere in the arena was electric—I was on the edge of my seat, scribbling notes while trying to absorb every moment. But what stood out was how Team USA responded. Instead of relying on isolation plays, which has been a criticism of American teams in the past, they moved the ball with precision. That’s where that "welcoming" environment paid off. When role players feel empowered, they make decisive plays in clutch moments. I recall a crucial three-pointer from a bench player with just over three minutes left that essentially sealed the game. It wasn’t a superstar moment; it was a testament to the confidence instilled by the team culture.

From a tactical perspective, the coaching staff deserves immense credit. Coach Steve Kerr implemented a fluid offensive system that emphasized ball movement and spacing, resulting in an average of 24.7 assists per game throughout the tournament. But tactics only go so far. What made the difference, in my opinion, was the human element—the way veterans like Kevin Durant, in what might be his final Olympic appearance, mentored younger players. Durant finished with 28 points in the final, but post-game, he spent minutes praising the "unsung heroes" who contributed to the win. That kind of leadership fosters the environment described in that quote, where players don’t need to overthink or adjust unnecessarily because the support system is already in place.

Looking back, this victory feels like a blueprint for future national teams. The 2024 gold wasn’t just about assembling the most talented roster; it was about crafting a cohesive unit where everyone, from the stars to the reserves, felt valued and confident. As I reflect on that thrilling final and the journey that led to it, I’m convinced that the legacy of this team will be remembered not just for the gold medal, but for how they achieved it—through genuine camaraderie and mutual trust. In a high-stakes tournament like the Olympics, that’s often the difference between silver and gold.