Dutch 3x3 basketball team beats France to win gold at the Olympics

The Dutch 3x3 basketball players have become Olympic champions in a sensational way. The Dutch team defeated the host country, France, 18-17 in front of the packed stands at the Place de la Concorde. TeamNL consisted of Dimeo van der Horst, Arvin Slagter, Worthy de Jong, and Jan Driessen.

It is the first time the Netherlands has won an Olympic medal in 3x3 basketball. The sport has been on the program since the Tokyo Games in 2021 when the Netherlands side finished fifth.

The final had a spectacular ending. With 2 seconds left to play, the Netherlands were 16-15 behind, but De Jong made it 16-16 with a lay-up.

In extra time, the team that scored two points first would win. France scored one point and was, therefore, one point away from the title. However, De Jong caused great joy among the Dutch fans by throwing the ball in from outside the circle, which is good for a two-pointer.

Chef de Mission Pieter van den Hoogenband and Princess Amalia, among others, could not believe their luck in the stands. The Dutch basketball players celebrated on the court.

The match was played before a frenzied Place De La Concorde crowd. Several thousand French fans had gathered outside the stadium. With an hour left before the game started, wild scenes were already around the relatively small stadium.

Games consist of 10 minutes of pure playing time. In 3x3 basketball. The country that scores 21 points before the time expires wins.