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Ranking The 10 Best Basketball Games At The 2024 Olympics

By Fran Leiva,

1 day ago

The 2024 Olympic basketball tournament has been nothing short of electrifying. With top-tier talent from around the globe, every game had something special. Whether it was underdog stories, clutch performances, or nail-biting finishes, this year's Olympics delivered it all. As the tournament wraps up, let’s take a look at the 10 best games that had fans on the edge of their seats.

1. Team USA vs. Serbia, Semifinals

This semifinal was a nail-biter that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Team USA faced off against a formidable Serbian team led by Nikola Jokic, and the game was intense from start to finish.

Serbia came out strong, building a 17-point lead in the first half thanks to hot shooting from players like Aleksa Avramovic and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic finished the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Jokic, despite facing tough defense, recorded 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists.

On the other side, Stephen Curry was the hero for Team USA. After a quiet tournament, Curry exploded for 36 points, hitting 9 of his 14 attempts from beyond the arc. His shooting was instrumental in Team USA's comeback, especially in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Serbia 32-15. LeBron James also made history by becoming the first player to record multiple Olympic triple-doubles, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Joel Embiid added 19 points and played a crucial role down the stretch with key baskets that kept the momentum in favor of the Americans.

This thrilling 95-91 victory for Team USA secured their spot in the gold medal game. It showcased their ability to respond under pressure, setting the stage for an epic final against France in a rematch of the 2021 Final in Tokyo.

2. Team USA vs. France, Gold Medal Game

Team USA claimed their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in men's basketball with a 98-87 victory over France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The game was intense from the start, with both teams battling for control. Stephen Curry was the standout for the USA, leading the team with 24 points, including some clutch three-pointers late in the game that helped secure the win. LeBron James also played a crucial role, contributing 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, just missing a triple-double.

The first half was tightly contested, with the USA holding a slight lead at halftime, 49-41. France, led by Victor Wembanyama's impressive performance of 26 points and 7 rebounds, kept the game close and even took a brief lead in the third quarter. However, Team USA’s experience and depth proved too much for the French squad as they pulled away in the final minutes.

In the end, the USA's superior shooting (50% from three) and clutch plays down the stretch made the difference, allowing them to hold off a resilient French team and secure another gold medal. This victory added to Team USA’s legacy as one of the most dominant forces in Olympic basketball history.

3. Serbia vs. Australia, Quarterfinals

This quarterfinal matchup between Serbia and Australia was an absolute overtime thriller. The game was closely contested from the tip-off, with both teams showing incredible determination to advance to the semifinals.

Serbia was led by Nikola Jokic , who delivered another stellar performance. Jokic finished the game with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, showcasing his all-around game and proving why he's one of the best players in the world. Bogdan Bogdanovic also came up big for Serbia, contributing 17 points and hitting several clutch shots in the fourth quarter to keep Serbia in the game.

On the other hand, Australia was fighting fiercely. Patty Mills was the standout for the Aussies, dropping 26 points and doing everything he could to propel his team forward. Australia had multiple chances to take control of the game, but Serbia’s defense tightened up in the final minutes, forcing key turnovers and tough shots.

The game was decided in the last few possessions, with Serbia narrowly edging out Australia 95-90 to advance to the semifinals. Jokic’s leadership and Bogdanovic’s sharpshooting were the difference-makers in this hard-fought victory, sending Serbia one step closer to their Olympic medal dreams.

4. France vs. Germany, Semifinals

France edged out Germany in a tight 73-69 win during the Olympic semifinals, securing their spot in the gold medal game. Guerschon Yabusele led the way for France with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Isaia Cordinier chipped in 16 points, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor. Victor Wembanyama added 11 points and 7 rebounds, contributing key defensive plays.

On the German side, Dennis Schröder was the standout with 18 points and 7 assists, keeping his team in the game until the very end. Franz Wagner also contributed significantly with 10 points and 8 rebounds, battling hard in the paint. However, Germany couldn’t overcome France’s defensive pressure in the final quarter, where they were held to just 19 points after a strong start with 25 in the first.

The game was a back-and-forth battle with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. France's defense tightened up when it mattered most, and they were able to outlast Germany in the closing minutes. This win set up an exciting final where France faced off against Team USA, in a thrilling showdown for the gold.

5. France vs. Japan, Group Stage

In a dramatic group stage encounter at the 2024 Olympics, France narrowly escaped with a 94-90 overtime win against Japan. The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with Japan nearly pulling off a major upset. Japan led by four points with just 16 seconds remaining in regulation, but France’s young guard, Matthew Strazel, hit a clutch four-point play to tie the game at 84, sending it into overtime.

Victor Wembanyama was the standout for France, leading the team with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was particularly crucial in overtime, scoring the first eight points to give France a cushion that Japan couldn't overcome. Strazel also contributed significantly with 17 points, while Evan Fournier added 14 points to the effort.

Japan, led by Yuki Kawamura’s 29 points, and Rui Hachimura’s 24 points and 3 rebounds, pushed France to the brink. However, despite their strong performance, Japan couldn't convert in the clutch moments of overtime. The game highlighted France's resilience as they managed to stay unbeaten in the tournament despite the fierce challenge from Japan.

6. Canada vs. Spain, Group Stage

In a highly competitive group stage match at the 2024 Olympics, Canada narrowly defeated Spain 88-85, securing a perfect 3-0 record in Group A and eliminating Spain from the tournament. The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams trading leads multiple times. Canada built an 11-point lead by halftime, thanks in part to a strong second quarter where they outscored Spain 30-19. However, Spain fought back in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to just one point in the final moments.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with a standout 20-point performance, contributing crucial plays down the stretch, including two clutch free throws with just seconds remaining to secure the win. RJ Barrett also played a pivotal role, hitting a decisive three-pointer with 38.8 seconds left to give Canada a five-point cushion. Andrew Nembhard provided key contributions off the bench with 18 points, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he scored eight points, helping to fend off Spain’s late surge.

For Spain, Santi Aldama and Sergio Llull, who chipped 13 points, were instrumental in their comeback efforts. Llull’s three-pointer brought Spain within one point in the closing seconds, but it wasn’t enough as Canada held on to win. This victory not only solidified Canada’s position at the top of Group A but also marked the end of Spain’s Olympic journey, a surprising outcome for one of basketball’s traditional powerhouses.

7. Serbia vs. Germany, Bronze Medal Game

Serbia secured the bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics with a hard-fought 93-83 victory over Germany. Nikola Jokic led the Serbian charge, delivering a spectacular triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around performance was key to Serbia maintaining control throughout the game. Vasilije Micic also contributed significantly, matching Jokic's 19 points and providing crucial baskets when needed.

Serbia came out strong, leading 30-21 after the first quarter and maintaining their advantage into halftime with a 46-38 lead. Germany, led by Franz Wagner's 18 points and 9 rebounds, tried to fight back, especially in the third quarter, but couldn't close the gap as Serbia's defense remained solid. Despite Germany's efforts, Serbia's experience and Jokic's leadership proved too much, allowing them to hold on for the win and secure their spot on the podium.

This victory not only gave Serbia another Olympic medal since the 2016 Olympics but also highlighted Jokic's continued dominance on the international stage, further cementing his legacy as one of the top players in the world.

8. Greece vs. Canada, Group Stage

In a tightly contested group stage game at the 2024 Olympics, Canada managed to edge out Greece with an 86-79 victory. This win marked Canada's first Olympic men's basketball victory since 2000, making it a significant moment for the team. RJ Barrett led the Canadian effort, scoring 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting and sealing the game with a powerful dunk in the final seconds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was also instrumental, contributing 21 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, including a clutch floater in the final minute to keep Canada ahead.

Greece, powered by a dominant performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo , who scored 34 points on 11-of-17 shooting and grabbed 5 rebounds, kept the game close throughout. Despite Canada's strong start, leading by as much as 16 points in the third quarter, Greece fought back, capitalizing on foul troubles that plagued Canada’s key defenders like Lu Dort and Dillon Brooks. Giannis was a constant threat, especially in the paint, and helped Greece cut the deficit to just two points in the final minute.

However, Canada’s resilience shone through in the critical moments. After a series of tense possessions, Gilgeous-Alexander’s crucial floater extended Canada’s lead, and RJ Barrett’s emphatic dunk sealed the deal, allowing Canada to secure their first win of the tournament.

9. Canada vs. Australia, Group Stage

In a pivotal group stage matchup at the 2024 Olympics, Canada pulled off a solid win against Australia, beating them 93-83 in a game that was tight until the second half. The Boomers started strong, with Josh Giddey leading the charge, but Canada flipped the script after halftime. RJ Barrett was on fire, dropping 24 points, and Dillon Brooks chipped in 16 points while locking down on defense.

The game was neck-and-neck in the first half, with Australia up by four at the break. But Canada came out swinging in the third quarter, outscoring Australia 27-21 and never looking back. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was clutch, especially in the fourth, where Canada’s defense really kicked in, holding the Boomers to just 2 points in the first six minutes of the final quarter.

Australia tried to make a comeback with some big shots from Jack McVeigh, but Canada’s defense shut the door. With this win, Canada moved to 2-0 in the group stage, putting themselves in a great spot heading into the quarterfinals.

10. Serbia vs. South Sudan, Group Stage

Serbia secured a 96-85 victory over South Sudan in the group stage of the 2024 Olympics, thanks to a dominant performance by Bogdan Bogdanovic, who dropped an impressive 30 points. Bogdanovic was nearly unstoppable, scoring from all over the court and leading his team to a crucial win. Nikola Jokic, the backbone of Serbia’s offense, added 22 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his playmaking abilities and keeping Serbia in control.

The game was closer than the score might suggest, especially in the first half, where South Sudan matched Serbia’s intensity. Carlik Jones was the standout for South Sudan, scoring 17 points and keeping his team within striking distance. South Sudan's relentless effort and athleticism were on full display, as they kept the game tight through three quarters.

However, Serbia’s experience and composure in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference. They tightened up defensively and executed better on offense, outscoring South Sudan in the final period. Serbia’s ability to step up when it mattered most helped them pull away and secure the win, solidifying their spot in the quarterfinals. South Sudan, while falling short, showed they could compete with the best teams in the tournament.