France closed to within three points late in Saturday’s gold-medal game. Then Stephen Curry closed with a three-point barrage.
STEPHEN CURRY. GOOD NIGHT. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/aEg6vvi0AI
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
The Golden State Warriors star made four three-pointers in a span of two minutes and 13 seconds late in the fourth quarter, propelling Team USA to a 98-87 win over France Saturday in Paris. Coming off his nine threes and 36 points in the semifinal win against Serbia, Curry made eight three-pointers and scored a team-high 24 points, winning his first gold medal.
While Curry hit a number of shots that felt like daggers, especially the basket with 1:14 left to give Team USA a nine-point lead, he saved his signature "Night Night" celebration until there were 35 seconds to go, answering a Victor Wembyanama three-pointer by hitting his own triple over a double team.
"THE GOLDEN DAGGER!"
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
Steph Curry that is utterly ridiculous. #ParisOlympics | NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/8hIN8tgmfK
At the Paris Olympics, that's technically a "Nuit Nuit" celebration. But Curry's shot wasn't just the final nail in the coffin of France's gold-medal chances, it was a symbol of how Team USA won. Curry hit only one fewer three-pointer than the entire French team, which shot better on two-pointers, committed fewer turnovers and got to the line more than their American counterparts.
But Steph Curry presents an impossible problem for any defense, in the NBA or internationally. Players simply aren't supposed to be able to go 8-for-13 on shots of that difficulty level. Curry even missed his first three deep shots, meaning he closed the game on an 8-for-10 tear.
CURRY TIME.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
A huge three to shift the momentum late. #ParisOlympics | NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/kDSOCr9bao
It's hard to beat Steph Curry or LeBron James in a must-win game. When they're together, it might be impossible.
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