Netherlands_Edge_France_to_Win_Men_s_3x3_Basketball_Gold_at_Paris_2024

Netherlands Edge France to Win Men’s 3×3 Basketball Gold at Paris 2024

Worthy de Jong rediscovered his love for basketball after transitioning from a long career in 5×5 play to the dynamic world of 3×3 basketball. On Monday night, his passion and perseverance culminated in an Olympic gold medal as the Netherlands clinched a thrilling 18-17 overtime victory against France at the Paris 2024 Games.

“I started to feel like that kid that fell in love with basketball all over again,” de Jong shared after the game. “To go from there to this right now, that just shows that if you work hard and if you enjoy what you do, a lot of things are possible.”

In a nail-biting finale, Timothe Vergiat put France ahead in overtime with a 1-point basket. However, de Jong responded with a clutch 2-pointer, stepping back and draining the shot to secure the victory for the Netherlands. As his shot swished through the net, the pro-France crowd fell silent, while de Jong was engulfed by his jubilant teammates.

De Jong was instrumental throughout the game, scoring seven points and making critical plays when it mattered most. With 27 seconds left in regulation, he scored to narrow the gap, and with just one second remaining, he drove into the lane for a layup, tying the game at 16 and forcing overtime.

His performance not only earned the Netherlands their first Olympic gold in 3×3 basketball but also ignited hopes for the sport’s growth back home. “Before 3×3 basketball, we were never in a position to make it to the Olympics or even make it to a world championship,” de Jong explained. “To be here and get a gold medal, I hope it shows how beautiful the sport is and inspires a lot of players and kids to go on this journey.”

Dimeo Van der Horst contributed to the team’s effort with a crucial layup, while Arvin Slagter tied the game late with a significant 2-pointer. On the French side, Lucas Dussoulier and Franck Seguela each scored five points, leading their team to a hard-fought silver medal.

The game was a showcase of resilience and skill from both teams. With about three minutes left, the score was tied before Vergiat connected with Jules Rambaut for an easy basket, putting France ahead. The teams traded leads in the final minutes, but it was de Jong’s heroics that ultimately sealed the Netherlands’ triumph.

As the Netherlands celebrates this historic win, de Jong hopes it will leave a lasting legacy. “I hope it shows how beautiful the sport is and inspires a lot of players and kids to go on this journey,” he affirmed.

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