Stephon Marbury, a former NBA player and Team USA member, recently voiced his opinion that Stephen Curry, not LeBron James, deserved the MVP award at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After Team USA secured the gold medal with a victory over France, LeBron was named the tournament’s MVP, but Marbury believes this decision was misplaced. Marbury took to Instagram to express his thoughts, stating:
“They gave the MVP to the wrong player. Maybe they called out the wrong name by accident. I think we need to try to rewind the moment when @stephencurry30 displayed himself as the best shooter who ever touched the ball. In international ball, if you can’t shoot, you can’t have the ball at the end of the game.”
“I get LeBron is the King to many, but let me say this: when you give him what he doesn’t deserve, you basically say that because of what he’s done, he should receive such a high honor on the biggest stage. No, he didn’t earn it this time.”
He praised Curry’s incredible shooting ability, especially in the crucial moments of the semifinals against Serbia and the finals against France, where Curry’s performance was instrumental in Team USA’s success.
Throughout the tournament, both Curry and James were standout players for Team USA. Curry led the team in scoring, averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting an impressive 47.8% from three-point range.
LeBron, on the other hand, was the team’s primary playmaker, averaging 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. Despite LeBron’s well-rounded contributions, Marbury argued that Curry’s clutch performances in the final two games, particularly his barrage of three-pointers in the closing minutes of the gold medal game, made him more deserving of the MVP title.
Marbury emphasized that in international basketball, the ability to shoot is paramount, and Curry’s shooting prowess was on full display in Paris. He suggested that LeBron’s MVP award was more a reflection of his legendary status and past achievements than his performance in this particular tournament.
Marbury’s comments sparked a debate among basketball fans, many of whom agreed that Curry’s late-game heroics were crucial to Team USA’s gold medal victory. Whether or not Curry should have been named MVP, there’s no denying that both he and LeBron played pivotal roles in continuing Team USA’s dominance on the global stage.
LeBron James Was The Best Player Throughout The Tournament
While Stephen Curry undeniably shone in the semifinals and finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, LeBron James was consistently the best player throughout the entire tournament. LeBron’s performance was pivotal from the opening game to the gold medal match, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership on the court.
LeBron’s impact was felt in every aspect of the game. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, making him the most complete player on the team. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend made him the cornerstone of Team USA’s success.
In the semifinals against Serbia, LeBron recorded a remarkable triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His leadership and playmaking were crucial in helping Team USA overcome a 17-point deficit and secure a spot in the final. Then, in the gold medal game against France, LeBron delivered yet another outstanding performance, contributing 14 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. His composure and experience in high-pressure situations were instrumental in Team USA’s victory.
While Curry struggled in the early stages of the tournament, LeBron was a steady force throughout. He set the tone for Team USA with his consistent play, making key contributions in every game. His ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, combined with his leadership and experience, solidified his status as the best player of the tournament.
LeBron’s all-around excellence, from start to finish, made him the most valuable player for Team USA, and his third Olympic gold medal is a testament to his enduring greatness on the international stage.
