The world of basketball caught up with the United States a decade ago. Numerous Europeans, Asians and player from Australia are sprinkled among NBA teams and when Olympic Games come around they play on their national teams and more times than I like they give our national team fits.
This summer it was Serbia and France who were the most trouble, Our national team overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat Servia 95-91 in the semifinals.
Today, they beat a talented French squad 98-87 for their fifth straight gold medal and 16th overall that highlighted in the final two minutes and 11 seconds the best shooter to ever play the game, Steph Curry.
France pulled within 82-79 and then wilted to the amazing shooting ability of Curry. It was Curry who was a perfect four-for-four from long distance that did it. His last three, an off-balanced shot under close guard swished through the net just like his others and finished off a gallant effort by the Frenchmen.
He then blocked a shot, got the ball and the clock ran out, starting a big celebration.
Curry finished with 24 points on eight of 13 from three and the aged-wonder, LeBron James, majestic in his play, nailing behind passes to teammates for easy scores and adding 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists.
