In an electrifying showdown at the Paris 2024 Games, the Netherlands' Worthy de Jong nailed a clutch 2-pointer in overtime to secure an 18-17 victory over France, grabbing the gold medal in men's 3×3 basketball! 🏀🥇
De Jong, who transitioned from 5×5 basketball seeking to rediscover his passion, found himself at the pinnacle of success: \"I started to feel like that kid that fell in love with basketball all over again,\" he shared. \"So 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.\"
The game was nothing short of a nail-biter! Timothe Vergiat put France ahead with a 1-point basket in overtime, but de Jong responded with an ice-cold 2-pointer to clinch the game. The pro-France crowd was stunned into silence as the Dutch team erupted in celebration. 🎉
With seven points to his name, de Jong was instrumental not just in overtime but also in regulation. He tied the game at 16 with a daring layup just one second before the buzzer, showcasing his determination and skill.
Hope for Dutch Basketball
De Jong hopes this monumental win will ignite a basketball renaissance in the Netherlands: \"Before 3×3 basketball, we were never in a position to make it to the Olympics or even make it to a world championship,\" he said. \"So 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.\"
The French team put up a fierce fight, with Lucas Dussoulier and Franck Seguela each scoring five points. But despite their heroic efforts, they had to settle for silver.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, filled with breathtaking plays and unforgettable moments. This is what makes sports so incredible! 🌟
Congratulations to the Netherlands on their historic win! And to all aspiring athletes out there, let this be a reminder: never stop chasing your dreams. 💪🏽
Reference(s):
Netherlands edge France to win men's 3×3 basketball gold at Paris 2024
cgtn.com
