In his second summer leading Team USA and making his Olympic debut, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr successfully guided the squad to its fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris. The victory was hard-fought, with the U.S. overcoming a strong challenge from Team France, ultimately sealing a 98-87 win.
Star player Stephen Curry, who was making his Olympic debut at age 36, shone brightly for the squad, scoring 24 points on an impressive 57% shooting, including 8-of-13 from three-point range. He also contributed five assists, two steals, and one rebound to the team’s success.
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Meanwhile, veteran Kevin Durant made history by snagging his fourth gold medal, scoring 15 points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out four assists during the match.
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Kerr faced criticism for his player selection strategies, especially after sitting out All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum for two games against Team Serbia, the bronze medal winners. “I felt like an idiot not playing him,” Kerr admitted, noting the difficulty in managing a roster full of talent.
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Tatum did see limited action in the gold medal game, contributing just two points and three rebounds in 11 minutes. In contrast, Team France boasted a formidable lineup, featuring All-Defensive players like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
After a disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Kerr’s future as Team USA’s head coach remains uncertain. A likely candidate for replacement could be Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra. Known for his creative play and ability to adapt lineups, Spoelstra might bring a fresh perspective to international competition.
While Kerr often leaned on experienced veterans, there’s speculation that Spoelstra would prioritize matchups and performance over ceremonial roles. For instance, Joel Embiid’s fit as a starter raised eyebrows, especially given the standout performances of Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo during the tournament.