The ultimate showdown is all set to tip off as Team USA and France gear up for the gold medal game. Both teams are coming off thrilling semi-final wins, with the Dream Team 2.0 almost losing to the Joker-led Serbia. Steph, LeBron, and Durant, the most-trusted trio, led the squad to one of the most iconic wins in Olympic basketball history. Having set the standards, the big 3 have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders today. Nevertheless, as Team USA finished their final shoot-around workout, the young star, Anthony Edwards, had some words for his fans as he prepared to take on France, and his NBA teammate, on away turf.

ANT and Rudy had been anticipating this very matchup for months. And for it to become a reality in the gold medal game is just the icing on top. However, Edwards’ inner fanboy cannot wait to witness the big three do it again! “You know, had a tough game last game, but we got the dub that’s all that matters. Now we trynna get this gold. You know what I’m saying. Me and Rudy was talking trash a couple of months back now we finally get the matchup in the championship game in his country so it should be fun man.

“We’ll see what’s going on. Hopefully, Steph, Bron, and KD get it done again and I have a go-around myself. So next time you see me, hopefully, I’m a champion, world champion,” the young gun proudly said. Luckily for Anthony Edwards, it wouldn’t be a tough bet after all, as Kevin Durant will be in the starting lineup against France.

Yes, KD will finally start, and rightfully so after the last game. The French, on the other hand, with Gobert absent again, led by Wembanyama, Cordinier, and Yabusele, will look to rely on the three in the Final matchup as well.

While France has a lot of confidence going into the Finals, Team USA is fully aware of the situation. Yes, they did get past Canada as well as Germany, two teams who were favorites to play Team USA in the Finals. It will definitely be an interesting matchup, and of course, not an easy one. Anthony Edwards shined brightly in the preliminary round but hasn’t really shown up in the playoffs so far.

But why is that? Well, quite simply, the veterans have taken over. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant are all in control of the steering wheel as they head into the Finals.

Anthony Edwards might not get enough playing time

As KD enters the starting lineup, the combinations take a full turn for Team USA. Earlier, Durant was coming off the bench alongside ANT and others. But in the Finals, it will be Holiday who’ll come off the bench. On the other hand, it is possible to see Tatum fill in the spot for the Slim Reaper in the second unit. Importantly, the scoring was heavily based on the three veterans in the semi-finals. And quite frankly, that’s what Steve Kerr plans to do against France: getting them going!

ANT has been impactful when he’s played fewer minutes. His best game was against Puerto Rico, where he dropped 26 points in 17 minutes. But then again, it is quite likely to see a different combination from Team USA in the Showdown. It will be interesting to watch the Americans battle for their 5th consecutive gold as they look to finish things off in Paris in style.

Update: As anticipated, Anthony Edwards came off the bench and had an instant impact. Although he only received game time for 9 minutes, he managed to go 3 of 7 from the field, sinking 2 of 3 long rangers. The camera crew also couldn’t help but pan the lens over him every second minute, as the young gun was so energetic from the bench, his pure fanboying going viral across the internet.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.