Gold Medal Game Preview: Durant, Booker, and Team USA battle France

After two thrilling semifinal games, the Gold Medal Game is set.

Who: United States (5-0) vs. France (4-1)

When: 12:30pm AZ Time

Where: Bercy Arena, Paris, France

Watch: NBC, Peacock

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Saturday’s game represents more than just another opportunity for Kevin Durant to showcase his scoring prowess; it’s a chance for him to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest Olympians in basketball history. Durant’s impact on the international stage has been nothing short of monumental. With 503 points, he stands as the top scorer in Team USA history, surpassing legends of both the men’s and women’s teams. His contributions extend beyond just putting up points; KD is also the all-time leading rebounder for Team USA.

A win over France today would further elevate Durant into an exclusive echelon of Olympic greatness. Not only would he add another gold medal to his collection, but he would become the first and only men’s basketball player to ever achieve four Olympic golds, a feat that underscores his longevity and dominance on the international stage. LeBron will earn his fourth medal, but one he currently owns is bronze in color after a failed run in 2004. LeBronze, if you will.

Standing alongside Durant is Devin Booker, who has already tasted Olympic glory. Booker is looking to secure his second gold medal after helping the team in Tokyo just three summers ago. For Booker, this game is an opportunity to cap off an impressive 2024 summer.

The Phoenix Suns’ duo has played a big part in the 2024 games. They have combined for 123 of Team USA’s 534 total points, shooting 41-of-72 (56.9%) and 22-of-36 (61.1%) from three.

Of course, there is Steph Curry, LeBron James, the Jayson Tatum Saga, and more. But hey, this is a Suns’ site. So we’re rooting for the guys who normally wear purple in orange as they don red, white, and blue!

Starting Lineups

Notice anything different there? Well, it appears that Kevin Durant will earn the start in the Olympic finale, as reported by Shams Charania.

What to Watch For

There’s a lot to take in here, so let’s begin with a significant milestone: this marks the first time since 1996 that the host nation has competed in the Gold Medal game.

To jog your memory, the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta, where Team USA claimed victory in dominant fashion. Mitch Richmond led the charge with 16 points, while Charles Barkley contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, powering the U.S. to a commanding 102-71 win over Toni Kukoc and the Croatian team.

This one’s in France and the French are led by 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. It hasn’t been the most dominant run by the 20-year-old — he’s shooting 47.1% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range — but he still leads France in scoring.

Obviously, Wemby’s impact on the defensive side of the ball is elite. His presence alone allows his teammates to gamble, pressure, and create havoc for opposing teams. Watching Wemby in this moment is what Olympic basketball is all about. He is a star on the rise, in front of his home country, facing off against one of the most talented basketball teams ever created.

Searching for popcorn…find only a pop tart. Well, it is breakfast time…

This matchup pits the tournament’s highest-scoring team, Team USA, averaging 106.8 points per game, against France, who ranks near the bottom with just 79.6 points per game. Despite their lower scoring, the French have relied on their stifling defense to secure wins. And let’s not forget, the last time the Americans tasted defeat in the Olympics was in their opening game of Tokyo 2020, at the hands of this very French team. Pre-Wemby.

Prediction

The atmosphere is going to be electric. European crowds just hit different. The chants, the cheers… and the resounding boos for Joel Embiid, who chose to represent the USA over France and Cameroon. It’s going to be an electric game.

The French will fire up the crowd with their tenacious defense, and Wemby is bound to drain a couple of threes, exploiting Team USA’s shaky perimeter defense. But let’s not forget that Team USA pulled off a miraculous comeback against Serbia, and they’re not looking to flirt with defeat again. The only potential stumbling block? A moment where LeBron tries to take over single-handedly. The key to victory is sticking to team basketball: keep the ball moving, find the open shooters, and secure the win.

The Americans are 16-point favorites on DraftKings, but I’m giving them a 15-point victory.

Team USA 96, France 81