Curry’s Late-Game Brilliance Secures Gold for Team USA
Stephen Curry delivered a stunning performance in the closing minutes of the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, hitting four three-pointers to seal the victory for the United States. On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, Curry and teammate LeBron James detailed those pivotal moments that defined the game.
First Three: A Timely Connection
With the score at 82-79 and just 2:50 on the clock, Curry and James executed a pick-and-pop play, showcasing their synergy. James, acting as the ball-handler, found Curry after a well-timed bounce pass. Curry took a dribble and launched a three-pointer, a moment he described as instinctual. “I actually wanted (James) to go downhill, maybe get to the free-throw line to at least settle us down,” Curry reflected. But when he received the pass, “muscle memory just took over.”
Second Three: Exploiting Hesitation
Less than a minute later, with the score at 87-81, Curry and James ran a pick-and-roll, with Curry taking the lead this time. Nicolas Batum, caught in a moment of indecision on whether to stick with Curry or switch to James, allowed Curry to exploit the gap. “Batum, he hesitated for half a second,” Curry noted, while James added, “Half a second.” This split-second advantage led to another three-pointer, showcasing Curry’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.
Third Three: Teamwork in Action
At 90-84 with just 1:20 remaining, Curry connected on his third three-pointer following a drive-and-kick from Devin Booker. The sequence epitomized team play and discipline. “The third one was great basketball,” Curry explained. “I got trapped, swing, swing to Book, baseline drive—that’s like practice.” While Curry took the shot, he emphasized the collaborative effort that made the play successful.
The Golden Dagger: A Buzzer-Beater Icon
With only 35 seconds left and the score at 93-87, Curry delivered the defining blow—a step-back fadeaway three-pointer, even while being double-teamed. The audacity of the shot left fans and commentators alike in awe. “I’m still laughing at the last one,” Curry admitted. “You and KD were over there with your hands up.” James responded with disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe you froze us out like that and shot that crazy s–t,” likening the moment to something out of NBA Jam.
Celebration and Reflection
Post-shot, the jubilation was palpable. “He didn’t see the rim on the last one,” James quipped. “Night, night time, everybody. It’s time to go to bed.” However, in the frenzy of celebration, Curry humorously recalled, “I didn’t play defense the next two possessions.” James chimed in, recalling Curry’s antics as he ran down the court, momentarily forgetting the game was still in play. “He thought a timeout happened after the last one,” James said, shaking his head at the momentary lapse.
Curry’s late-game heroics not only clinched the gold for Team USA but also etched an unforgettable chapter in Olympic basketball history, highlighting the power of teamwork and the brilliance of individual talent.
