In an electrifying showdown in Paris, Worthy de Jong displayed his prowess on the 3×3 basketball court, leading the Netherlands to a thrilling 18-17 overtime victory over France in the quest for the gold medal. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the tension mounted, with de Jong delivering the decisive 2-pointer in overtime that sealed the fate of the game.
De Jong’s journey to Olympic gold was not a conventional one. After a successful career in 5×5 basketball, he made the bold decision to switch to the fast-paced world of 3×3 play, driven by a desire to rediscover his passion for the game. And what a decision it turned out to be, as he now stands atop the podium as an Olympic champion.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with France taking the lead in overtime before de Jong’s heroics turned the tide in favor of the Netherlands. Timothe Vergiat’s clutch basket seemed to give France the advantage, but de Jong’s ice-cold demeanor under pressure was unmatched. His game-winning shot sent shockwaves through the arena, leaving the pro-France crowd stunned as the Netherlands celebrated in jubilation.
But de Jong’s impact was not limited to the final moments of the game. In regulation, he displayed his versatility and skill, scoring crucial points to keep his team in contention. With just seconds remaining, he rose to the occasion once again, driving to the basket for a game-tying layup that sent the game into overtime.
Reflecting on the historic victory, de Jong emphasized the significance of the win for basketball in his country. “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 remarked. “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.”
As the final buzzer sounded and the Netherlands celebrated their gold medal triumph, de Jong’s legacy in the world of basketball was forever etched in history. With his inspiring performance on the court, he proved that sometimes, taking a leap of faith can lead to the greatest rewards.
