US win men’s basketball, still trail China in gold medal tally

The United States have won gold in the men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics, defeating France 98-87 to claim their fifth straight gold medal in the event.

America was once again led by a brilliant effort from NBA star Steph Curry, who scored 24 points in the form of eight three-pointers.

LeBron James was also impressive, racking up 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in the victory.

Perhaps the star of the final was France’s Victor Wenbanyama, who, despite losing, can hold his head high with 26 points, seven rebounds, and two assists across the match.

United States avoid drama of semi-finals

Last time the United States took to the Olympic court, they nearly suffered a shock loss to Serbia in the semi-finals.

On Saturday, however, there was to be no such drama.

At odds of -2000 with basketball bookies, team USA built an early lead and maintained it across the duration of the gold medal match.

While France did well to hang with them, even outscoring the 16-time gold medallists 25-23 in the third quarter, the damage was already done, and the Americans held on to win yet another Olympic gold.

US and China neck and neck in gold medal race

Heading into the final day of the Olympics this Sunday, the United States and China are locked in an arm wrestle for first place on the gold medal charts.

China currently leads with 39 golds, slightly ahead of America, who now have 38 golds after winning the men’s basketball.

In terms of total medals, the USA leads China 122 to 90.

Bookmakers had the US as a heavy favourite to win the most golds at -769.23 ahead of the Olympic Games starting.

China were second favourites at +350, with the two nations well ahead of any other contenders.

Leading sports bookmakers still have America as the favourite to win the most golds, however, with plenty of action to come on the final day of the 33rd Olympiad.

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