USA basketball and LeBron James face hosts France for the gold medal at the Olympics with the best of the NBA clashing on the world stage.
Victor Wembanyama, still only 20 years of age and taking the world by storm after being selected by the San Antonio Spurs at No. 1 in the NBA draft two years ago, attempts to lead a stunning upset of the reigning champions.
If Vincent Collet’s Les Bleus are to win, they will need to shut down the sharp-shooting Steph Curry, whose heroic display inspired a comeback win over Serbia in the semi-finals, while Kevin Durant has also found his groove off the bench for the United States.
Joel Embiid can expect a hostile reception from the home fans, having opted to represent the USA on the global stage, rather than France, as was an option at one point ahead of Paris 2024.
Team USA have won the men’s basketball gold at the last four Olympics and are bidding for a fifth consecutive title, while hosts France have never won Olympic gold in men’s basketball.
Follow live score updates and analysis from the Bercy Arena in Paris below:
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 40-36 France score updates
LeBron James’ free-throw sees the USA extend their lead, before France claims three free-throws of their own, with Guerschon Yabusele securing two points.
Yabusele then leaps over James to execute a phenominal dunk, before sinking another free-throw to keep France in the game.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 21:06
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 34-31 France score updates
LeBron James restores some stability for Team USA with huge dunk, followed by a three pointer from Devin Booker.
Stephen Curry then showcases his quality with a phenominal shot at range, as all three players have overturned the decicit.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 21:00
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 24-25 France score updates
France’s Guerschon Yabusele closes the gap on Team USA, as his three pointer gives his team an added boost to assert their dominance in this second quarter.
With France now ahead, they are beginning to force the USA onto the backfoot with a terrific surge.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 20:55
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 20-15 France score updates
Anthony Edwards keeps USA infront following his second three pointer, with Devin Booker adding another seven points in the first quarter too.
France, meanwhile, look to offer stern competition in this game, with Victor Wembanyama securing a total of seven points.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 20:50
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 17-13 France score updates
After a frantic start, LeBron James and Kevin Durant have steadied the ship for Team USA in this first quarter, but Nicolas Batum sinked a much needed three pointer to keep France in the game.
One of USA’s shots was then overturned to three points to extend their lead after a review.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 20:46
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 12-11 France score updates
LeBron James has set the tone with a dazzling dunk to kick things off, but France responded with a great spell, as Victor Wembanyama looks to establish his authority on the game too.
The two teams remain difficult to seperate at this early stage, with the USA leading 12-11 after the first foul was committed.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 20:39
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA 8-7 France score updates
An insane start as a dunk from LeBron James is followed by a three-pointer from Wembanyama! The home crowd are roaring every USA turnover, but they appreciated that LeBron dunk.
Durant drains a three to put the USA back in front.
Jamie Braidwood10 August 2024 20:35
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA v France score updates
NBA stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Victor Wembanyama will be in action on the court shortly, as the USA looks to win their fifth consecutive Olympic title in basketball, while France hopes to claim their first.
Both teams looked impressive in the semi-finals, defeating Serbia and Germany respectively.
Now, the time has come to for both heavyweights to go for gold.
Oscar Pick10 August 2024 20:32
Olympics basketball LIVE: USA v France score updates
An incredible atmosphere in Paris and the stars are out on the France bench, with Thiery Henry and Olympic heroes Teddy Riner and Leon Marchant on the front row.
Jamie Braidwood10 August 2024 20:31