The dominance of the United States in Olympic basketball remains unshaken. The U.S. men’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 98-87 victory over host nation France in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This win marks the fifth consecutive gold medal for U.S. men’s basketball, an unprecedented achievement in the sport.

Led by basketball giants like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, the American squad proved once again why they’re the dominant force in Olympic basketball. Durant, who has now become the most decorated Olympic player with his fourth gold medal, and Curry, who stood out as the team’s top scorer with 24 points—all from three-pointers—were crucial in securing the win in the final.

With this gold, LeBron James ties with Carmelo Anthony for the most Olympic gold medals, but Durant has surpassed both in terms of total honors. The Paris victory brings the total number of gold medals for the U.S. in basketball to 17, reaffirming their dominance in the sport since it was introduced at the Berlin 1936 Games.

Only three other countries have won Olympic gold in basketball besides the U.S.: the Soviet Union (1972 and 1988), Yugoslavia (1980), and Argentina (2004). However, the U.S. has maintained its supremacy in recent decades, with their last Olympic loss occurring in 2004, when they were knocked out by Argentina in the semifinals. Since then, the American team has won every tournament from Beijing 2008 to Paris 2024.

This year’s victory in Paris not only highlights the ongoing superiority of the U.S. in basketball but also celebrates the legacy of players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. With a mix of talent and experience, the U.S. team has shown they’re unbeatable on the Olympic stage, solidifying their position as the team to beat in world basketball.