It was heaven or hell, depending on your perspective.
Stephen Curry was cool-headed in the United States’ victory over France in the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and his shooting skills embarrassed French commentators.
“Come on, we have to keep stealing the ball…”, the French broadcast said, just before Curry sank another three-pointer. “This devil called Curry is hurting us!”
Curry sank eight three-pointers, including four in the final 2:58 minutes, as the U.S. held off a stubborn French team that pressured them until the end.
As the shot clock expired and the U.S. clung to an 82-79 lead and was double-covered, Curry stepped back for a fadeaway jump shot.
The Olympic host’s commentators watched in despair.
“Watch out, watch out for Steph’s shot! Oh noooo… but noooo!! but noooo!!,” said the announcer. “Steph Curry with the siren… how is that possible?!”
The US team finally won 98:87 against the French team led by Victor Wembanyama.
OLYMPIC GAMES 2024 IN PARIS
“Steph Curry. He has the hot hand, he has the hot hand! How is that possible?! He has the hot hand, Steph Curry!!!” the French commentary team continued, signaling France to go to sleep.
“They gave it their all, the French. But with Steph Curry and his ‘Maestra’…”
Curry scored 24 points for the United States in the game against France, most of them in the fourth quarter when the team’s other superstars avoided him and let him take the lead.
Against Serbia in the semifinals, Curry scored 36 points as the team twice overcame a 15-point deficit.
For the 36-year-old Curry, this was probably a one-time appearance at the Olympics, as he had not been able to compete before.