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The first three-pointer Stephen Curry nailed in the final three minutes of Team USA’s 98-87 victory over France on Saturday night at Bercy Arena was fairly basic, for him, though it might have been the most important of the Curry flurry that clinched gold for the Americans, and the first Olympic title of Curry’s career.
With France having cut the U.S. lead to three, 82-79 in the fourth quarter, Curry pump-faked, sending French defender Guerschon Yabuselle airborne. He took a dribble to his right, to the top of the key, giving himself a straight line to the bucket. He’s hit this shot on so many occasions. He did it again, and gave the U.S. much-needed breathing room.
Three-pointer number two came less than a minute later, with around 1:53 left on the clock and the U.S. up 87-81. This time, Curry went to his left before delivering the fake. Poor Nicholas Batum, the NBA vet who flew by Curry this time. Bang. Curry started pointing at this chest. 90-81, a virtual dagger.
France, however, refused to buckle. Batum hit a three to make it a 90-84, now a two-possession game. But back down the floor, the U.S. called Curry’s name again. This time, poor Nando de Colo. He fell for the fake. Another Curry three— his third in 88 seconds —and now a nine-point lead for the U.S, with a little over a minute now left.
“Just simply marvel at his amazing talent,” said LeBron James, who was named Olympic tournament MVP after the game. James finished with 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds against France. For years, James has been at the other end of Curry’s onslaughts. They joined forces, for the last time at these Games and quite possibly, ever, on Saturday. “Keep finding him,” said James. “Keep getting him the ball.”
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