Since the Berlin 1936 Olympics, basketball has been a permanent sport in the men's category, previously appearing as an exhibition sport at the St. Louis 1904 Olympics. In the women's category, basketball made its official debut at the Montreal 1976 Olympics and has been a staple in the event ever since.
The United States national basketball team has been the dominant power in both men's and women's competitions. Across 18 editions, the U.S. team has secured a remarkable total of 30 medals: 25 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze.
Since 1992, Olympic basketball has welcomed professional players, with the historic Barcelona edition showcasing Michael Jordan as the star of the Dream Team. From that point forward, the United States has consistently claimed the gold medal, except at the Athens 2004 Olympics, where Argentina secured the top spot in the competition.
The United States holds the title of reigning champion in both men's and women's basketball at the Olympic Games. At Tokyo 2020, the women's team triumphed over Japan, while the men's team overcame France in their respective finals.
Here is a comprehensive historical record of the United States basketball team's performances throughout the history of the Olympic Games.
Key Fact: First gold medal in the debut of basketball as an official Olympic sport. In Germany, the Americans won gold undefeated, a feat they would repeat in the next six editions.
Gold Medal Final: USA 19-8 Canada
Key Fact: Second consecutive gold for the United States in the return of the Olympic Games. The team achieved an 8-0 record to win the competition.
Gold Medal Final: USA 65-21 France
Key Fact: Helsinki marked the second consecutive gold medal for Hall of Famer Bob Kurland. The U.S. team maintained an impressive 21-0 record across all its Olympic appearances.
Gold Medal Final: USA 36-25 Soviet Union
Key Fact: The 1956 final was the second consecutive matchup between the United States and the Soviet Union, with an American victory. The 1956 team, led by San Francisco Dons teammates Bill Russell and KC Jones, defeated their opponents by an average margin of 53.5 points per game.
Gold Medal Final: USA 89-55 Soviet Union
Key Fact: The fifth consecutive gold came with another victory over the Soviet Union in the final. This star-studded team of young players defeated their opponents by an average margin of 42.4 points per game. The Olympic record stood at 37-0.
Gold Medal Final: USA 81-57 Soviet Union
Key Fact: The fourth consecutive final against the Soviet Union and the sixth consecutive gold medal for the United States.
Gold Medal Final: USA 73-59 Soviet Union
The seventh consecutive gold medal for the United States in basketball, extending their total record to 55-0.
Gold Medal Final: USA 65-50 Yugoslavia
Key Fact: In 1972, the United States' streak of consecutive gold medals was broken when they fell to the Soviet Union in the final, earning the silver medal.
Gold Medal Final: USA 50-51 Soviet Union
Key Fact: In Canada, the United States regained the gold medal undefeated after ending a 63-game winning streak in the Munich Olympics.
Gold Medal Final: USA 95-74 Yugoslavia
Key Fact: The first gold medal in basketball won on home soil. In the previous Olympics, the team did not compete due to a boycott of the event in Moscow.
Gold Medal Final: USA 96-65 Spain
Key Fact: USA lost to the Soviet Union in the semifinals
Bronze Medal Game: USA 78-49 Australia
Key Fact: The iconic "Dream Team," featuring NBA stars like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, secures gold, marking the first participation of professional players.
Gold Medal Final: USA 117-85 Croatia
Key Fact: The second gold medal achieved on American soil. The U.S. team won another gold medal with an average margin of victory of 31.8 points per game.
Gold Medal Final: USA 95-69 Yugoslavia
Key Fact: The third consecutive gold medal for the United States, which marked the lowest point total in an Olympic final with their professional team.
Gold Medal Final: USA 85-75 France
Key Fact: USA lost to Argentina in the semifinals. It was the only defeat for Team USA with professional players in an Olympic game.
Bronze Medal Game: USA 104-96 Lithuania
Key Fact: The U.S. team won the tournament with authority, achieving the highest point total by Team USA in an Olympic final (118 points).
Gold Medal Final: USA 118-107 Spain
Key Fact: The second consecutive final against Spain, where they again recorded a three-digit score against the United States.
Gold Medal Final: USA 107-100 Spain
Key Fact: The decisive victory of the United States over Serbia secured their third consecutive gold medal, with the second-largest margin of victory (30 points) for the team of professional basketball players.
Gold Medal Final: USA 96-66 Serbia
Key Fact: At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the United States won their fourth consecutive gold medal. Led by Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Devin Booker, the team defeated France in the final, despite an initial loss to the French during the group stage.
Gold Medal Final: USA 87-82 France
Key Fact: In the first edition of women's basketball at the Olympics, the United States lost to the Soviet Union.
Gold Medal Final: USA 77-112 Soviet Union
Key Fact: The first gold medal won by the U.S. women's basketball team following their absence from the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Gold Medal Final: USA 85-55 South Korea
Key Fact: Second consecutive gold medal for the U.S. women's basketball team.
Gold Medal Final: USA 77-70 Yugoslavia
Key Fact: The United States lost to the Soviet Union in the semifinals and then won the bronze medal game.
Bronze Medal Game: USA 77-70 Brazil
Key Fact: The second gold medal on American soil was achieved by defeating Brazil once again, this time in the final.
Gold Medal Final: USA 111-87 Brazil
Key Fact: The second consecutive gold medal was won by defeating the host team.
Gold Medal Final: USA 76-54 Australia
Key Fact: In the second consecutive final against Australia, the United States secured the gold medal once again.
Gold Medal Final: USA 74-63 Australia
Key Fact: Third consecutive final against Australia
Gold Medal Final: USA 92-65 Australia
Key Fact: Fifth consecutive gold medal for Team USA
Gold Medal Final: USA 86-50 France
Key Fact: The sixth consecutive gold medal came against Spain, in the second final where the U.S. team was able to score in triple digits.
Gold Medal Final: USA 101-72 Spain
Key Fact: The U.S. women’s team won their seventh consecutive gold medal, this time defeating the host team.
Gold Medal Final: USA 90-75 Japan
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