In a breathtaking finale to the men’s 3×3 basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Netherlands emerged victorious over host nation France, securing the gold medal with a dramatic 18-17 win in overtime. Worthy de Jong delivered the game-winning shot, a 2-pointer that silenced the French crowd and sparked celebrations among his teammates.
A Journey of Rediscovery
Worthy de Jong’s transition from traditional 5×5 basketball to the 3×3 format was driven by a desire to rekindle his passion for the game. “I started to feel like that kid that fell in love with basketball all over again,” de Jong reflected. “To go from there to this right now shows that if you work hard and enjoy what you do, many things are possible.”
The Path to Gold
The Netherlands faced a challenging route to the final. They advanced to the gold medal match after a commanding 20-6 victory over Lithuania, with de Jong scoring eight points. The final against France was a tense affair, with regulation time ending at 16-16. De Jong’s layup in the closing seconds tied the game, pushing it into overtime.
In the overtime period, Timothe Vergiat put France ahead with a 1-point basket. However, de Jong responded with a clutch 2-pointer, securing the gold for the Netherlands. His seven points in the final were crucial to his team’s success.
Inspiring Future Generations
De Jong hopes that this historic win will ignite greater interest in basketball within the Netherlands, a country that has traditionally not been seen as a basketball powerhouse. “Before 3×3 basketball, we were never in a position to make it to the Olympics or even a world championship,” he said. “To be here and win a gold medal shows how beautiful the sport is and hopefully inspires many players and kids to pursue this journey.”
France’s Valiant Effort and Lithuania’s Triumph
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, France’s team played impressively, with Lucas Dussoulier and Franck Seguela each scoring five points. France reached the final by defeating Latvia 21-14 in the semifinals, led by Dussoulier’s nine points and seven rebounds.
In the bronze medal match, Lithuania triumphed over defending champions Latvia with a 21-18 victory. Sarunas Vingelis led Lithuania with nine points, marking a significant achievement for the team. “We created history and I am very proud of my teammates,” said Gintautas Matulis of Lithuania. “We are very happy and excited, and we are going to celebrate for sure.”
A Landmark Achievement
The Netherlands’ victory in men’s 3×3 basketball at the Paris Olympics is a milestone for Dutch sports. This win not only brings pride and joy to the team and its supporters but also highlights the growing popularity and potential of 3×3 basketball. As the sport continues to evolve, this gold medal achievement may inspire the next generation of Dutch basketball players and elevate the sport’s status in the country.
