French commentators working on the broadcast of the basketball final at the Paris Summer Olympics had harsh words for Golden State Warriors point guard and U.S. national team player Stephen Curry after he hit a late three-pointer.
“That devil named Curry. That devil named Curry is hurting us!” the commentators exclaimed.
In the Olympic final, Team USA defeated the French national team 98-87. Curry made history by becoming the first basketball player to knock down 8 three-pointers in two consecutive Olympic Games.
In the gold medal game, Curry was the leading scorer for the Americans, finishing with 24 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists and 2 steals in 29 minutes and 37 seconds of action.
The fiery reaction from French commentators highlighted just how dominant and unstoppable Curry was in the final. His ability to hit decisive long-range shots proved to be the difference-maker as the United States moved into the second half.
“Curry is just on another level right now,” one of the French analysts said. “No matter how tight the defense is, he finds a way to make that shot. It’s maddening as a fan, but you have to respect the skill and the poise with which he plays.”
The other commentator added: "He's like a demon out there, draining three after three. Just when you think you've got him contained, he pulls up from 30 feet and crushes your hopes. That's a virtuoso performance by Curry - he's making a mockery of our defense."
Despite the frustration of the home crowd, there was an underlying appreciation for Curry's sublime shooting display. The French fans, while disappointed by the defeat, recognised that they were watching basketball history in the making.
“You have to tip your hat to a performance like that,” conceded one French fan. “Curry is operating on another plane of existence right now. He’s completely in the zone, and there’s nothing our team could have done to stop him. As much as it hurts to say, he deserves all the praise he’s going to get.”
The U.S. victory, led by Curry's heroics, marked the country's fourth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball at the Olympics. It was a testament to the depth of American talent, as well as the individual brilliance of superstars like Curry.
“This was Steph Curry’s moment to cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time,” summed up the first French commentator. “On the biggest stage, against the host country, he delivered a performance for the ages. It’s the kind of thing people will talk about for decades to come.”
