"I'm a witness": 3x champ Dawn Staley raves about LeBron James' electrifying performance during 2024 Olympics gold game
LeBron James made an everlasting impression at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His exceptional performances on the court won over the masses yet again, with South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball coach Dawn Staley among those who were left awestruck by the NBA legend.
Fresh off leading the Gamecocks to their third NCAA Tournament victory, Staley flew to the French capital to watch Team USA go for gold in the men's and women's basketball events during the off-season.
She was in attendance for the men's basketball gold medal game between Team USA and France at Bercy Arena, an experience which she was proud to celebrate on social media platform X.
"I'm a witness!" exclaimed Staley.
Staley also pointed out witnessing Guerschon Yabusele posterizing James with an incredible dunk during the second quarter of the game, which went viral within seconds.
James shrugged that moment off quickly to lead Team USA to victory, with the game finishing 98-87 in their favor. He recorded a double-double in the game, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds.
Staley's impact on the Gamecocks program cannot be understated. Since taking over as the coach in 2008, she has made them one of the most feared teams in women's basketball.
They beat the Iowa Hawkeyes, led by Caitlin Clark, in the NCAA Tournament final to win their second title in three years. Led by center Kamilla Cardoso, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Gamecocks produced another solid season that strengthened Staley's legacy within the program and its fans.
LeBron James leads Team USA to fifth Olympic gold medal in a row
Overall, James recorded 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals in this year's Olympics, which won him the MVP of the tournament award. He won his third Olympic gold medal and the first since the 2012 London Olympics.
While James starred, it was Olympics debutant Stephen Curry who stole the show towards the end of the gold medal game. He exemplified his standing as one of the best point guards of all-time, making four shots from three-point range in the last three minutes of the game. He finished the game as the team's top scorer with 24 points and 5 assists.