The USA men’s basketball team entered the 2024 Paris Olympics under intense scrutiny due to previous poor performances. Derrick White, a key player for the Boston Celtics, discussed how Stephen Curry became the driving force behind the team’s success, ultimately helping the United States secure the gold medal.
In the final match against France, White watched from the bench as the home crowd heavily supported the French team. Despite an early lead for Team USA, the game remained fiercely contested, with France constantly challenging their advantage.
Challenges Faced During the Close Olympic Final
White described the final as a relentless battle where every time Team USA extended their lead, France fought back aggressively. He emphasized Curry’s extraordinary performance, recalling,
“We knew it was going to be a battle … but Steph was unbelievable. He was just going crazy,”
—Derrick White, Celtics Player.
White also revealed that Curry had a slow start earlier in the tournament, and the team was eager to see him find his rhythm. This turning point came during the semifinal against Serbia, a match marked by a thrilling comeback.
Curry’s Semifinal Surge Against Serbia
Facing elimination after trailing by 13 points entering the fourth quarter, the United States rallied with Curry scoring 36 points. His clutch three-pointer with less than two and a half minutes left sealed the team’s advance to the final. White detailed the moment on his podcast:
“We were just waiting for that Steph game.”
“It happened in that Serbia game, and he just carried it over to the gold medal … That fourth one, Steph kicks it to KD, and Bron is open in the corner, and ‘Nah, right back to you Steph.’ Unbelievable. To be on the good side of it was an unbelievable feeling,”
—Derrick White, Celtics Player.
The bench erupted in excitement, witnessing an unforgettable display of skill. White stressed the uniqueness of experiencing Curry’s dominance firsthand as a teammate, rather than as an opponent.
From Rivalry to Teammates: White’s Perspective on Curry’s Excellence
White recalled facing Curry in the 2022 NBA Finals, where Curry’s performance was devastating to the Celtics. In Game 4, Curry scored 43 points with outstanding shooting efficiency, including seven three-pointers, alongside 10 rebounds and four assists, leading the Warriors to victory. Reflecting on that, White said,
“I had seen it before. I just didn’t enjoy it. He did it to us in 2022. It stung me. But being in that side and being so happy … I was on his side. You see it in the NBA, when he does it and the bench goes crazy, and it was just good to be on that side,”
—Derrick White, Celtics Player.
The Broader Significance of Curry’s Leadership
Stephen Curry’s rise during the Olympics demonstrated his ability to elevate Team USA under pressure, transforming doubt into triumph. Derrick White’s accounts highlight not only Curry’s scoring prowess but also the energy and confidence he brought to the entire squad. This momentum carried the United States through tough matches and secured their position atop international basketball at the Paris Games.
As the Olympics concluded, Curry’s leadership is likely to inspire future national team efforts, reinforcing his role as a cornerstone of the USA men’s basketball program, while Derrick White‘s experience highlights the strength of unity between teammates and rivals alike.