Olympics basketball LIVE: USA v France score updates as Steph ...

In the end, all of the boos, jeers and glittering French stardust in the world would still not have been nearly enough to stop this unbeatable force. The United States men’s basketball team are Olympic champions once again, winning their fifth straight gold medal against the hosts France at a raucous Bercy Arena in Paris.

Led by Steph Curry and his dazzling late run of three-pointers in the closing minutes, the United States assembled a dream team for Paris and came away with the only prize that mattered.

Kevin Durant becomes a four-time Olympic gold medalist after contributing 15 points to Team USA’s victory - a night that will largely be defined by the performances of three basketball icons.

“It was so fun playing with these guys. I’ve had a great month, travelling the world and winning a gold medal with these guys. It’s a memory that I will have for the rest of my life. These are my brothers,” Durant told Eurosport.

USA head coach Steve Kerr hails the impact of Steph Curry, who scored four triples in the last four minutes of tonight’s final to secure gold for his side.

“Steph Curry ended up being the difference. The flurry at the end of the game was just incredible. Watching him never gets old,” Kerr told Eurosport.

“I want to give credit to France; they were amazing. It felt like we were going to break that game open but they just kept hanging in there. Congrats to France on the silver medal, it’s a great accomplishment.

“Winning a gold medal is a dream for any young athlete, so to be apart of it is incredibly special, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

France head coach Vincent Collet is left devastated with the result but remains nonetheless proud of his players, who collect their silver medals after pushing Team USA all the way in what was a tightly contested final.

“For sure, it’s a disappointment, because we expected that we could do it but, in the end, we have to recognise that they were better,” Collet told Eurosport immediately after the game.

“This is the greatest moment of my career and, to do it in Paris, it is something special. We had a dream to make it happen but it was impossible, [USA] were too good.”

Stephen Curry scores three breathtaking shots from beyond the arc to seal Team USA’s fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in basketball.

France showed tremendous resolve, with Nando de Colo and Victor Wembanyama securing some consolation points, but the damage had already been done by, quite simply, one of the greatest players of all time.

After he is fouled by LeBron James, Guerschon Yabusele sinks one of his two free-throws, before Stephen Curry returns to the court to do what he does best: score three pointers.

Kevin Durant then concluded a dominant spell for Team USA with a free-throw of his own.

A foul from Anthony Davis on Victor Wembanyama sees the centre sink one of his two free-throws, before LeBron James leaps up for another dunk to deny France a spell of momentum.

Kevin Durant then uncharacteristically misses a dunk, but France, once again, is unable to capitalise on USA’s mistake.

Anthony Davis continues to shine under the lights, as another dunk from the power forward sees Team USA keep their nose infront.

Kevin Durant then sinks another sumptuous three pointer to maintain his side’s control over the game, with France now chasing an even greater deficit.

A dunk from Kevin Durant extends the USA’s lead before the fourth quarter, but Nando de Colo’s shot to hit the rim gave France the points after an interference from Team USA.

France now look to be in a strong position, with De Colo and Evan Fournier both making a real impact.

Evan Fournier restores the host’s belief with an excellent three pointer, only for LeBron James to cancel the shooting guard’s points with one of his own from outside the arc.

Nando de Colo then made a remarkable steal but was unable to launch a successful counter, with France not capitalising on USA’s mistakes.