Team USA collected its fifth-consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal with a 98-87 win over France at the 2024 Paris Games on Saturday night.
Steph Curry did his part to make it a memorable finish, hitting four three-pointers in the final 2:43 while also hitting his iconic “go to sleep” move once he had officially put the game away.
The game ending was also memorable thanks to calls by NBC Sports announcer Noah Eagle and commentator Dwyane Wade.
The broadcasting duo received praise early on during the Paris Games and settled into a rhythm as they went on, with Wade, in particular, finding his stride as he cycled through a few catchphrases to make room for solid commentary.
In the men’s final, Eagle matched Curry moment-for-moment, ensuring that those three-pointers received the call they deserved.
STEPH CURRY HAS TAKEN OVER (again)! 🇺🇸🏀🔥🔥🔥 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/5EF3h0IEIm
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 10, 2024
“OOOOOOH! IT’S A GOLDEN DAGGER! CURRY! UNCONSCIOUS IN THE FOURTH!… EIGHT THREES FOR CURRY! HE HAS SENT THE FRENCH CROWD INTO A FRENZY THEY WILL NEVER FORGET!” – Noah Eagle with the Steph Curry/Team USA dagger call for NBC🇺🇸🏀🥇🎙️🔥🔥 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vkjd9gg6Mu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 10, 2024
Eagle also made sure to meet the moment for LeBron James when needed.
What a pass by LeBron for the Team USA assist to Devin Booker! 🇺🇸🏀 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/SBd6AFOdze
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 10, 2024
“LEBRON JAMES! A LOCOMOTIVE! AND A CHANCE FOR THREE!” – Noah Eagle on the NBC call for the USA-France Gold Medal Game 🇺🇸🏀🎙️🦅 #ParisOlympics https://t.co/BlTurjvdtx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 10, 2024
He also wasn’t afraid to give France their due when it was called for.
GUERSCHON YABUSELE WITH THE POSTER JAM ON LEBRON JAMES! 🇫🇷🏀🔨 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/vAuGTeGP5p
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 10, 2024
Meanwhile, Wade, who hasn’t been shy about taking chances, certainly did so again with an explanation for just how excited he was about Team USA.
Dwyane Wade was — excited by Steph Curry’s closing run. pic.twitter.com/IqN9NDmXfx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 10, 2024
“I can’t even sit down, I apologize… my pants a little tight, but I can apologize,” Wade said cheekily.
While opinions vary on Wade’s impact, there’s no denying that the duo performed well throughout the Olympics. Eagle, specifically, may have cemented himself as the future of American basketball broadcasting. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before some network or streamer makes him their lead voice.
[NBC Sports]
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.