The NBA’s present and future clashed at Bercy Arena on Saturday night when two giants – literally and figuratively – went at each other in a battle for gold.
Down by 17 points at one stage,the Americans rallied in the last quarter to defeat Serbia and book their place in the gold-medal match.
He was here,then there and now he is everywhere. But before the world knew about Victor Wembanyama,Le Chesnay was helping the gentle giant find his feet.
The 20-year-old,2.24-metre NBA rookie of the year is a blend of world-class talent,charisma and authenticity – and he has a rare cultural influence.
In front of almost a thousand members of the world’s media,the four-time NBA champion was asked about the presidential hopes of his “friend”,Vice President Kamala Harris.
The powerful US team began with the quintet of Steph Curry,Joel Embiid,Jayson Tatum,LeBron James and Anthony Edwards,but Australia were still within four points with just minutes to play.
She might be an all-time great,but Lauren Jackson has never felt so much pressure as she did before Australia’s Olympic basketball teams for Paris were announced. Like Patty Mills and Joe Ingles,she’s off to her fifth Games.
Australia will head to Paris with dreams of stunning the USA and winning gold. But with world basketball growing ever-stronger,the Opals and Boomers will be tested like never before.
Stalwart Joe Ingles is set to retain his place for Paris 2024 and play in a fifth Olympics while NBA defensive ace Matisse Thybulle has been left off the final roster.
Thursday nights match against China in Melbourne is the final opportunity for Boomers players to impress coach Brian Goorjian before the team jets to Paris 2024.
Josh Giddey is looking forward to again taking the court for the Australian Boomers but he admits he is ready to get out of the spotlight after a torrid NBA season.