Video: Guerschon Yabusele Slams Poster Dunk on LeBron James; Fans React in Disbelief
Aug 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera positioned above the field of play) Guerschon Yabusele #7 of Team France goes up for a basket past Lebron James #6 of Team United States during the Men's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
France's Guerschon Yabusele chose a good time for his best dunk of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yabusele put Team USA's LeBron James on a poster to bring France within five points of the defending champions during the second quarter of Saturday's gold medal game.
France has been waiting nearly 25 years to get back at the Americans for Vince Carter over Frederic Weis. Yabusele on Bron wasn’t quite that, but that was nuts lol
The dunk brought NBA fans' attention to Yabusele, a former first-round pick by the Boston Celtics who played 74 games for the franchise between 2017 and 2019.
He has since played for professional leagues in China, France and Spain, but some fans expressed interest in now seeing him return to the Association.
Yabusele in the locker room signing a deal with the spurs on docusign
This dunk may have been his most memorable of the Games, but it wasn't the first time Yabusele has been key to France's title hopes.
He contributed 22 points and five rebounds to the team's quarterfinal upset of Canada, then added 17 points and seven rebounds in a semifinal victory over Germany.
Yabusele was also a member of France's roster when the team earned a silver medal after playing the United States in the final of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
LeBron James Debuts New LeBron 22 Sneakers for USA's 2024 Olympics Gold Medal Game
Aug 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Lebron James #6 of Team United States runs onto the court prior to the Men's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LeBron James showcased a couple of new pairs of kicks ahead of Team USA's Olympic gold-medal game against France on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers star debuted new editions of the LeBron 22 pre-game as he looks to earn his third gold medal.
James and Team USA have been dominant throughout the Olympics, going unbeaten through the group phase before beating Brazil in the quarterfinal and Serbia in the semifinal to advance to the gold-medal game against France.
Nikola Jokić and Serbia gave the United States a scare, but it ultimately completed a fourth-quarter comeback to keep its gold medal hopes alive.
Team USA will square off against a tough France team that features plenty of NBA talent on Saturday. The French boast a roster highlighted by rising star Victor Wembanyama along with Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier.
France picked up a few impressive wins against Canada and Germany on its way to the final, and it will look to add another big win to the list by taking down the United States.
James has been electric for Team USA, averaging 14.2 points, 8.2 assists and seven boards per game through five games. Wearing a new pair of shoes on Saturday, he'll look to continue his excellent play and lead America to a fifth consecutive gold medal.
Olympic Basketball Bracket 2024: USA Beats France to Win Men's Gold Medal
Aug 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 8: Stephen Curry of United States handles the ball against Aleksa Avramovic of Serbia (2nd L) during the Men's Semifinal Game between United States and Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Arena Bercy on August 8, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Steph Curry knocked down eight threes, including three at the end of the fourth quarter, to lead the United States men's basketball team to a gold-medal game victory over France.
Curry produced 24 points to lead the Americans to a 98-87 victory and their fifth consecutive gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
LeBron James chipped in 14 points, while Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each scored 15 points in the win, but it was Curry's show as the game reached its conclusion.
France hung around thanks to 26 points out of Victor Wembanyama, but it could not contain Curry and the Team USA offense, which shot 18-for-36 from three-point range.
Box Score
France: 15 Q1 / 26 Q2 / 25 Q3 / 21 Q4 / 87 TOT
United States 20 Q1 / 29 Q2 / 23 Q3 / 26 Q4 / 98 TOT
Player Statistics
Team Statistics
Team USA Wins 5th Straight Men's Basketball Gold Medal
Duke MCBB Urges Team USA to Start Jayson Tatum in Gold Medal Game amid Benching
Aug 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Jayson Tatum of USA in action during the quarterfinal between USA and Brazil on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Duke Men's Basketball account on X called for Team USA head coach Steve Kerr to start former Duke and current Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum in the 2024 Summer Olympic gold medal game against France on Saturday.
In the post, the Duke Men's Basketball admin wrote that they would start Tatum in order to "help deal with France's size," as the host team boasts San Antonio Spurs big man and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, as well as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert:
Tatum has played only sparingly in Paris, and he did not see a single minute of action in the United States' come-from-behind win over Serbia in the semifinals.
The 26-year-old Tatum is coming off the season of his life, as he was named an All-Star for the fifth time, finished sixth in the NBA MVP voting and helped lead the Celtics to an NBA championship.
Tatum was one of three Celtics players chosen to Team USA along with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, but he has played a total of just 60 minutes in the five games he has appeared in and was not used in either game against Serbia.
After the Americans overcame a 17-point deficit to beat Serbia in the semis, Kerr explained to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe (h/t Matt Geagan of CBS Boston) that Tatum's second DNP was merely a numbers game, saying:
"It's not what I'm not seeing from Jayson; it's what I've seen from the other guys. Like I've said many times during this tournament and the last six weeks, it's just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game.
"Our second unit was not great last night, but that group has been one of the bright spots on this team, especially on the defensive end. So it's not about what Jayson is doing or not doing. It's just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin [Durant] has filled in since he came back from his injury. It's just a math problem more than anything."
Kerr leaned heavily on four players in particular during the fourth quarter against Serbia, and it proved to be a winning move.
Warriors star Stephen Curry led the U.S. with 36 points, Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James had a triple-double, former Warriors and current Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant had nine points off the bench including some clutch buckets down the stretch, and 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers had 19 points.
While a lack of consistent playing time may have something to do with it, Tatum hasn't been at his best even when he has been used in Paris, averaging 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game, while shooting just 38.9 percent from the field.
Tatum isn't the only one who has been on the outside looking in, as Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has barely played, averaging just 2.7 points in 8.8 minutes per contest.
While it is difficult to envision Kerr expanding his rotation too much given that his plan has gotten Team USA to this point, perhaps he will have something up his sleeve regarding Tatum when the U.S. and France battle for gold on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Carmelo Anthony Names All-Time Team USA Starting Lineup; Leaves Out Michael Jordan
Aug 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 09: Carmelo Anthony attends the women's basketball semi-final match between Team USA and Team Australia on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
Ahead of Team USA's gold medal game against France in men's basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on Saturday, NBA and USA Basketball legend Carmelo Anthony picked his all-time Team USA starting five.
In an interview Friday with BasketNews (h/t HoopsHype), Melo chose himself, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Charles Barkley:
While it can be argued that omission of Michael Jordan is somewhat surprising, Anthony noted that he picked players who "had a career in FIBA" and passed over MJ for his list since he "only played in that one Olympics."
Although Jordan's only Olympics as a professional player was as a member of the original Dream Team in 1992, he actually played in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as well, helping lead the U.S. to a gold medal before making his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls.
Anthony never won an NBA championship during his career despite being a 10-time All-Star, but he is one of the most prolific Olympic basketball players of all time.
After disappointingly winning bronze with Team USA in 2004, Melo was part of three consecutive gold medal teams in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Prior to the 2020 Summer Olympics, Anthony was Team USA's all-time leading scorer in Olympic play with 336 points, but Durant surpassed him in Tokyo.
KD, who has 503 career Olympic points entering Saturday's gold medal game against host France, is going for his fourth consecutive gold medal. If he gets it, he will break a tie with Anthony for the most Olympic gold medals in men's basketball by an individual player.
Despite the fact that LeBron is playing in his first Olympics in 12 years, he has also surpassed Anthony on Team USA's Olympic scoring list, placing him second behind Durant with 344 points.
Like Anthony, James was part of the bronze medal team in 2004 before winning back-to-back golds in 2008 and 2012.
LeBron came back to Team USA for one last hurrah in Paris, and despite the fact that he is the oldest player in the NBA at 39, he has arguably been the best player at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry was the main driving force behind Team USA's 17-point comeback to beat Serbia in the semifinals, but James wasn't far behind, as he contributed a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Kobe was only part of two Olympic teams, but he was the face of the Redeem Team, which was the superstar-laden squad put together in 2008 meant to make up for the failures of 2004.
Bryant put the team on his back at times in a 118-107 win over Spain in the 2008 gold medal game, recording 20 points, six assists and three rebounds.
Melo gave the fifth and final spot on his all-time Team USA starting five to Barkley, and it is difficult to argue with the decision given what Chuck did at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
The original Dream Team is arguably the most-celebrated basketball team of all time, and Barkley was the biggest standout, leading the squad with 18.0 points per game to go along with 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.4 assists.
Barkley was also part of Dream II in 1996, leading that gold medal-winning team in scoring as well with 12.4 points per contest.
Jordan is actually just ahead of Barkley on the Team USA Olympic scoring list with 256 points to Barkley's 231, as Jordan led the Americans with 17.1 points per game in 1984 and was second to Barkley in 1992 with 14.9 points per game.
MJ would be a perfectly suitable choice for an all-time Team USA starting lineup, but with Melo seemingly placing emphasis on those who appeared in multiple Olympics while they were NBA players, Jordan didn't make the cut.
Olympic Basketball Bracket 2024: Live Stream Schedule for Men, Women's Medal Games
Aug 9, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 09: Diana Taurasi #12 and Kelsey Plum #5 of Team United States react during a Women's semifinal match between Team United States and Team Australia on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Team USA will once again have the chance to sweep the basketball tournaments at the Summer Olympics in Paris after both teams won gold in Tokyo. Both the men's and women's teams are unbeaten through the group phases and tournaments, and they will now play for gold over the weekend.
Since earning a bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics, the United States women's team has not lost a game in the Olympics, winning seven straight gold medals. A loaded roster has once again led them to the gold-medal game, where they will take on France.
After struggling a bit in Tokyo but still earning gold, the men's team has been dominant in Paris, with its only close game being against a Nikola Jokić-led Serbia team in the semifinal. Team USA will now face Victor Wembanyama and the French national team with the chance to earn another gold.
Here's a look at the schedule for the men's and women's medal games this weekend.
Men's Basketball Schedule, Odds
Saturday, Aug. 10
Bronze-medal game: Serbia (-1.5) vs. Germany, 5 a.m. ET, Peacock
Gold medal game: United States (-16) vs. France, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Games can be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app.
Women's Basketball Schedule
Sunday, Aug. 11
Bronze-medal game: Belgium vs. Australia, 5:30 a.m., ET USA Network, Peacock
Gold-medal game: United States vs. France, 9:30 a.m. ET, NBC, Peacock
Games can be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app.
The U.S. women's team, highlighted by a roster that features Kelsey Plum, A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu, has cruised to the gold-medal game. It dominated Japan, Belgium and Germany in the group phase before beating Nigeria and Australia to advance to the final.
The United States' defense was on display in the semifinal as it held Australia to just 64 points. Wilson tallied four blocks and a pair of steals in the win.
"It's like she's got SIX ARMS right now." - Noah Eagle
A'ja Wilson with her FOURTH block of the first half! 🇺🇸😤
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2024
Team USA will now face a French team led by Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams, who had 18 points in France's overtime win against Belgium. France has lost just one game so far in the Olympics, a 79-72 loss to Australia in the group phase.
Even though France has been solid throughout the Olympics, its roster doesn't compare to the star-studded United States squad. Barring an uncharacteristic performance from Team USA, it should claim yet another gold medal.
On the men's side Team USA has unsurprisingly coasted through most of the Olympics. The United States has won all but one of its games by double-digits, including a 122-87 rout of Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Serbia gave Team USA a scare in the semifinal, but ultimately the United States completed a double-digit fourth-quarter comeback to avoid a repeat of the 2004 Olympics.
France boasts a roster with several NBA players like Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier, but with stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and more, it's hard to imagine France can pull off the upset on Saturday.
Expect France to keep things interesting, but ultimately this year's gold medal will likely fall into the hands of Team USA for a fifth straight Olympics.
Anthony Edwards Praises 'Old Heads' LeBron James, Curry, Durant for USA Olympic Run
Aug 9, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and Lebron James of Team United States look on prior to a Men's basketball semifinals match between Team United States and Team Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Anthony Edwards shouted out Team USA veterans Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry ahead of Saturday's gold medal game against France during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Keep some old heads around you," Edwards advised on X.
Team USA's veterans, including Curry, Durant and LeBron James, have been the driving force behind the teams' journey to their fifth gold medal game in as many Olympics.
The Americans trailed by as many as 17 points during Thursday's semifinal game against Nikola Jokić and Team Serbia.
A comeback effort led by Curry's 36 points, James' triple-double and some key baskets from Durant helped Team USA recover and earn a trip to the gold medal game.
This is not the first time Edwards has expressed his admiration of Team USA's veterans. The Minnesota Timberwolves star in February called Durant his "favorite player of all time," and during the Olympic group stage described the trio as "three of the greatest players ever."
Team USA will rely on their star "old heads" once more on Saturday as the Americans take on Victor Wembanyama and the Olympic hosts with gold medals on the line. The final tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Report: Kevin Durant to Start USA's Olympic Gold Medal Game vs. France over Holiday
Aug 9, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: Kevin Durant (7) of US reacts during the Men's basketball semifinals match between United States and Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aytac Unal/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Kevin Durant will not come off of the bench in the gold medal game.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Team USA is "planning" to start Durant Saturday against France and guard Jrue Holiday will come off of the bench.
Team USA is planning to start all-time leading scorer Kevin Durant vs. France in Saturday's Gold Medal game at the Paris Olympics, per sources. Jrue Holiday is expected to come off the USA bench. pic.twitter.com/UrYgyhyTUY
Durant has come off of the bench in every game for the U.S. in the 2024 Games, but he will end that streak in a game in which the U.S. will chase a fifth consecutive gold medal.
Durant is personally a three-time gold medalist and just passed Lisa Leslie to become the career leader for U.S. basketball in Olympic competition during the 2024 Games. He hasn't had to be the same scorer as in previous year's due to the depth of talent on the roster, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been impactful.
In the bench role, Durant has averaged 13.6 points, three rebounds and two assists. He logged 24 minutes against Serbia in the semifinal and could see a similar usage in the final game.
The game against France is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. If the U.S. claims victory, Durant will become the first men's basketball player to earn four gold medals at The Olympics.
Carmelo Anthony Shouts out Bogdan Bogdanović After USA's Win vs Serbia: 'Respec7'
Aug 9, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: Former NBA player Carmelo Anthony attends a Men's basketball semifinals match between Team United States and Team Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
USA Basketball legend Carmelo Anthony does not seem bothered by Bogdan Bogdanović's use of his signature celebration during Serbia's narrow semifinal loss to Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bogdanović on Friday shared an Instagram comment from Anthony that read, "Respec7."
Bogdanović's celebration was short-lived as Team USA came back to claim a 95-91 win and advance to the gold-medal game.
But the Serbian star's use of a celebration made famous by Anthony, who set a Team USA single-game Olympic record with a 37-point outing during the 2012 London Olympics, was enough to ruffle some American players.
LeBron James appeared to confront Bogdanović on the court after the celebration. After scoring on him shortly after, James made the "too small" gesture in Bogdanović's direction.
LeBron James hits Bogdan Bogdanovic with 'too small' 👀
Bogdanović and Anthony previously faced one another on opposite sides of an Olympic court when Serbia and the United States played in the final game of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Team USA largely outplayed the 2016 Serbian squad to claim Olympic gold with a 96-66 victory.
After hitting a three-pointer to give the Americans a 26-point advantage, Anthony performed his signature celebration with Bogdanović on the court, as noted by Heavy.com's Nathan Dougherty.
That memory might have stuck in Bogdanović's mind as he looked to help his home country earn Olympic redemption eight years later.
An offense led by James and Stephen Curry cut short Bogdanović's hopes of a gold medal, but it seems he still earned the respect of Anthony after leading Team Serbia with 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting in the loss.
Jayson Tatum Benching Explained by USA HC Steve Kerr After Comeback Win vs. Serbia
Aug 9, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 6: Jayson Tatum #10 of Team USA drives to the basket during the game against Team Brazil on August 6, 2024 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Steve Kerr has addressed Jayson Tatum's playing time once again.
The Team USA coach did not utilize the forward in the team's 95-91 victory over Serbia in the semi-final round. It was the second time that Tatum did not see the court in the Olympics, and Kerr said that the issue is a "math problem" and not reflective of Tatum's ability.
"It's not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing," Kerr said, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. "It's just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has filled in since he came back from his injury. It's just a math problem more than anything."
The saga with Tatum's playing time began in the opening game of the Olympic tournament when Tatum did not touch the court in a 110-84 victory over Serbia. He and Tyrese Haliburton were the only players who did not play in that game, and the same occurred during the second matchup between the teams.
Tatum has averaged 6.3 points, six rebounds and three assists in the other three games the U.S. has played. While these numbers aren't revolutionary, Tatum's play with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24 makes the exclusion puzzling.
He averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 74 games for the Celtics and helped lead the team to the 2024 NBA Championship. It was his first title and he was rewarded with a major contract extension following the season.
In addition to his NBA excellence, he has found success on the international stage as well. He was on the 2020 Olympic squad that took gold in Tokyo and averaged 15.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists on that run.
While Tatum did not get the chance to showcase his talents against Serbia in the 2024 Olympics, he now hopes to make an impact in the gold medal game. The U.S. is set to face France at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for a chance to earn a fifth consecutive gold medal.
