PARIS — The Tokyo 2020 Olympics delivered a basketball gold medal game for the ages, a showdown between Team USA and France that saw Kevin Durant rise to the occasion with 29 points to secure a five-point victory and bring home the gold for the United States. Fast forward three years to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the rivalry between these two basketball powerhouses has only intensified.
On Saturday night, in front of a passionate crowd at France’s national arena, the stage was set for another epic battle. With just three points separating the teams in the fourth quarter, it was Steph Curry’s time to shine. The future Hall of Famer added another chapter to his legendary career with a clutch 3-point shooting display, leading Team USA to a 98-87 victory and leaving French fans heartbroken once again.
As the dust settles on Paris 2024, thoughts are already turning to LA28. With the Olympics set to return to American soil, the prospect of a trilogy between Team USA and Team France looms large—a potential clash that could define a new era of international basketball.
The Beginning: Tokyo 2020
The rivalry between these two teams truly began in Tokyo. France had already proven themselves a formidable opponent by defeating Team USA in the group stage, causing doubt about the Americans’ invincibility. However, in the gold medal game, Durant’s heroics ensured that the U.S. retained their dominance on the Olympic stage.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with France pushing the U.S. to their limits. Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier led the French charge, but in the end, Durant’s 29 points, coupled with the experience of the American squad, were enough to clinch a hard-fought 87-82 victory.
The Sequel: Paris 2024
Paris 2024 brought with it new faces, new challenges, and a renewed sense of determination from both sides. For Team USA, the addition of Steph Curry was a game-changer. Curry, who had never competed in an Olympics before, brought his signature 3-point shooting and leadership to the team, adding a new dimension to their offense.
The game in Paris was as intense as the one in Tokyo. France, playing on home soil, had the crowd behind them and came into the game with a chip on their shoulder. For much of the game, it looked like they might finally overcome their American rivals. But Curry, as he has done so many times in his career, took over in the fourth quarter. His 3-point barrage turned a close game into a 98-87 victory for Team USA, breaking the hearts of French fans and securing another gold medal for the U.S.
The Trilogy: LA28 on the Horizon
With the Paris Games now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on Los Angeles 2028. The U.S. will have home-court advantage, and the possibility of a third consecutive Olympic showdown with France is tantalizing.
Both teams will likely undergo changes in the coming years, with new stars emerging and veterans stepping aside. But the core of this rivalry—built on mutual respect, fierce competition, and a shared desire for greatness—will remain.
For Team USA, the challenge will be to maintain their dominance as the rest of the world continues to catch up. France, meanwhile, will be driven by the desire to finally overcome their American rivals on the biggest stage of all.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The potential trilogy between Team USA and France at LA28 represents more than just a series of basketball games. It’s a story of two nations pushing each other to their limits, a narrative of greatness and heartbreak, of triumph and redemption.
As we look ahead to Los Angeles, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The possibility of another classic showdown between these two teams is a reminder of why we love sports—because of the drama, the passion, and the opportunity to witness history in the making.
So, as the basketball world turns its attention to LA28, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Team USA and France is far from over. In fact, it may be just beginning.