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The Netherlands clinched the thrilling gold medal victory in men's 3x3 basketball with an overtime finish on Monday, August 5th at La Concorde. Worthy De Jong secured the final two-point shot that propelled the Dutch team to a narrow win over the passionate French hosts who took silver after their hard-fought battle resulted in a score of 18-17.
De Jong's successful game-winning shot was an emotional highpoint for him, recalling his initial lack of ambition to participate in international competition:
I never grew up dreaming of playing at the Olympics, explned De Jong. If anything, I aspired for more than that - like playing in the NBA or pushing myself further. The turning point came when I started playing 3x3 because I lost my joy from five-on-five basketball.
The Dutch team's victory was a collective effort, with stellar performances by all members including Jan Driessen, Dimeo van der Horst and Arvin Slagter who complemented De Jong's efforts both physically on the court and spiritually.
Slagter demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess with an impressive haul of five defensive rebounds agnst France. Meanwhile, Driessen contributed six points to their tally through three offensive rebounds and deft shots at the basket.
De Jong acknowledged that while he did not win the medal solely based on his performance:
It was a matter of fate and luck, reflected De Jong. Throughout my career, you strive to make these shots - but sometimes they just don't fall off your fingertips or require a fadeaway throw... it's a tough shot to execute, but I managed to sink it.
Despite the Dutch victory being hard-won, France took pride in their performance and was honored by their enthusiastic home crowd throughout their match. Their quartet of players - Lucas Dussoulier, Timothe Vergiat, Jules Rambaut and Franck Seguela - showed unwavering dedication to winning gold.
I have no words for this, sd Seguela. This is an unforgettable experience that we are proud of.
The Lithuanian team also took home a medal with a surprise victory agnst previously unbeaten Latvia. Despite being tied at 17-17 near the , Lithuanians Evaldas Dziaugys and Aurelijus Pukelis made four consecutive free throws after taking advantage of two fouls by Latvia to secure bronze for their team.
It's an incredible honor that we've accomplished this, commented Gintautas Matulis. We are proud of our teammates.
Tonight's matches marked the first time athletes from Lithuania, France and the Netherlands had won medals in 3x3 basketball at the Olympic Games.
The culmination of three days of intense competition has left a lasting mark on all participants and spectators alike.
3X3 BASKETBALL: MEN'S TEAM PODIUM
Gold: The Netherlands
Silver: France
Bronze: Lithuania
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Netherlands Claims Thrilling Mens 3x3 Basketball Gold France Secures Silver in Passionate Battle Lithuania Surprises with Bronze Victory Olympic 3x3 Basketball Medals Ceremony Highlights De Jong Driessen and Van der Horst Triumphs French Teams Emotional Journey to Second Place