The United States maintained their grip on the Olympic men’s basketball title by overwhelming hosts France to win a fifth successive gold medal in Paris.
A star-studded American team packed with NBA icons, led by LeBron James and Steph Curry, demonstrated their quality to win 98-87 amid a febrile atmosphere at Bercy Arena.
The success saw the current crop emulate the 1992 ‘Dream Team’ which they have been regularly compared to.
In front of almost 20,000 boisterous fans, France refused to roll over and moved back within three points at 82-79 with the clock ticking down in the final quarter.
But Curry, as he so regularly does, instantly landed a three-pointer for 85-79 to ease the pressure and swished three more as the Americans raced away.
Ultimately, Les Bleus did not have enough to put the Americans into an unwanted bracket of failure.
Pretty much every US Olympic squad since the Barcelona Games has been compared to the side led by Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
Six teams have won Olympic gold – but none have ever come close to being revered like this Gen Z ensemble cast.
Now, after securing victory in Paris, a group featuring four NBA regular season MVP winners – James, Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid – 11 NBA All-Stars and seven NBA champions has to be mentioned in the same breath.
Curry was the focal point of the American celebrations when the final hooter went, hugged by his team-mates and draped in a Stars and Stripes flag by James.
Stars turn out for hottest ticket in town
On the penultimate night of the Games, it was the Bercy Arena which felt like the hottest ticket in town.
France, led by NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama, against the American All Stars.
The magnitude of the occasion was indicated by the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and calibre of athletes – past and present – courtside.
The hosts were represented by football icon Thierry Henry and NBA legend Tony Parker, along with swimmer Leon Marchand and judoka Teddy Riner.
On the American side of celeb row was sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, television personality Jimmy Fallon and Scottie Pippen, part of the legendary 1992 roster which the current crop were trying to emulate.
Not everyone was so lucky, however. Fans without tickets waited outside holding homemade signs pleading for someone to help them out.
If those outside did manage to join the 16,000 other fans inside, it was well worth the gamble.
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Scottie Pippen sat next to fellow basketball legend Sue Bird and former United States footballer Megan Rapinoe
How US stars claimed gold
The high-octane atmosphere in the stands continued on the court as the stars came out to play.
France began well with their talisman Wembanyama – the 7ft 2in prodigy – scoring seven points in a fast and furious start.
But the Americans quickly raised their level and responded strongly.
James illustrated their growing confidence with a behind-the-back assist which Devin Booker put away before a pair of three-pointers from Anthony Edwards secured a 20-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
France rallied at the start of the second period to turn a five-point deficit into a lead, but Team USA stepped on the gas.
A six-point gap opened up at 37-31 when James trampled through French defenders in trademark fashion, with Curry and Jrue Holiday landing from behind the arc to put them eight points ahead at half-time.
The hosts had an uphill task in front of them to dethrone the kings of the Olympic court.
Continued to be backed by vociferous support, they kept plugging away to stay within reach.
The third quarter closed at 72-66 and, although they refused to give up in the final period, their wait for a maiden Olympic title goes on.