The US men's basketball team could finally breathe after the smashing performance at the Paris Games. Their latest gold medal win would mark the fifth in a row at the Olympics, exhibiting a blend of raw talent, fierce competitiveness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
It began with the very first practice the team held upon arrival in Paris—a session which would leave an indelible mark on every eyewitness. Players were divided into teams and instructed only to "go play." In what transpired, there was a portent of the spirit and skill that would define their campaign.
As U.S. assistant coach Erik Spoelstra reflected on the experience, "We warmed up and then it became competitive. And that's when you realized, one, that this team really cares and that it felt the responsibility to play and compete at the highest level. And then secondly, the level of talent on that floor … we knew it could exceed all expectations."
That all reached a crescendo Saturday night inside the AccordHotels Arena with a pulsating 87-98 victory over France in Paris. Stephen Curry went off for 24, all of them from deep, Kevin Durant claimed his fourth Olympic gold and LeBron James his third gold and fourth overall medal to add to his Hall of Fame resume.
The medal was gold, the celebration fitting. But the U.S. basketball program won't stop there as it moves forward, with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles serving as the next stage, and Grant Hill returning as managing director to keep the legacy going.
"I've done a lot of things in my life," Hill said, "And this is a thing that certainly consumes you, but it is incredibly rewarding."
As the team enjoys a well-deserved rest, focus will soon shift to building towards the next Olympic Games. For now, the U.S. men's basketball team can bask in hard-earned success and glow, knowing they set a new standard for excellence on the world stage.
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