“We’ve got options for everything” — Steve Kerr meant it when he intended to use every option as deemed fit for the team. The 4x NBA championship-winning coach received criticism on multiple instances for his roster-related decisions. But not once he backtracked on his methods. And his final masterstroke came with fielding Kevin Durant in starting 5 against France to secure gold for Team USA.

Facing similar issues with GSW fans, this was not the first instance that Kerr’s methods were questioned. However, what he does seems to work in his favor. Benching Jrue Holiday and bringing KD in the starting line-up, when the 2x NBA champ came off the bench throughout the Olympic run, was yet another such move.

But what exactly prompted the coach to go for this change? While Durant’s scoring ability is most likely an obvious answer, pitting him against 7 ft NBA stars on the French team — Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert — seemed another valid approach. Though listed 6’9, KD’s actual reported height of 6’11, visibly seemed more effective than the Celtics’ 6’4″ Holiday.

And as expected, Kevin Durant delivered, when needed the most, with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Now, although this gold medal win is a moment of celebration for the entire nation, it has brought in some personal accolades for the 2x NBA champ.

KD has now become the first ever men’s basketball player to secure 4 gold medals at the Olympics and that as an all-time scoring record from Team USA at the event. He had already met the record after the semi-finals, tallying 502 points and surpassing Lisa Leslie in the process.

On the other hand, it was a first Olympic medal for Stephen Curry, the star for the evening.

Steph Curry’s shooting struggles ended at the right time in USA’s favor

Having made just five of his first 20 three-point attempts, it is no secret Curry started his 2024 Olympic run amid some struggle. But his 60 combined points in last two games is the note on which he would’ve desired to end this. The 4x NBA champ marked his comeback with 36 points, 8 rebounds against Serbia in the semi-finals.

This included his 9-on-14 shooting from beyond the arc, and 3-on-5 two-point shooting. The 10x All-Star kept up the momentum with 24 points against France coming from 8-on-12 shooting from the three-point line. It is worth mentioning France trailed in the game with the significant margin throughout the second half. But the gap closed to just 3 points (82-79) with 2:58 remaining on the clock.

And this is where Curry did what he does the best. The Warriors star first widened the gap to 6-points in next 10 seconds, and then to 9-points with 1:53 left. With his last shot coming in at 34.5 seconds remaining, Curry launched into his popular “night-night” celebration pose. “Those last two and a half minutes were special,” Curry said after the game via Az Central. “Guys were hyping me up. We had confidence in what we were trying to do. I was just really present in the moment and enjoying myself.” Curry was first in line to receive his gold.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.