Olympic Gold Medal (Men's Basketball, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)

Lore & Background

The U.S. won seven consecutive titles from 1936 through 1968. Their winning streak ended in 1972, when the Soviet Union controversially won the gold medal game against the United States by one point. The U.S. reclaimed gold in 1976. After a boycott in 1980, the U.S. won again in 1984. Following the introduction of NBA players in 1992, the U.S. won gold in 1992, 1996, and 2000. The U.S. did not win gold in 2004; Argentina defeated them in the semifinals and went on to win the gold medal. The U.S. then won gold in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

In Their Own Story

The final buzzer echoes through the Saitama Super Arena. LeBron James, arms raised, lets out a roar that cuts through the mask of his pandemic-era Olympics. On the scoreboard, USA 87, France 82. It's August 7, 2021—the 2020 Tokyo Games, delayed but undimmed. Kevin Durant, who poured in 29 points, clutches the game ball as teammates mob him. This is gold number 16, a number that feels both inevitable and earned. For a moment, the noise fades, and Durant thinks of the ghosts in the rafters: the 1960 team's blitzkrieg, the 1992 Dream Team's swagger, the 2008 Redeem Team's redemption. They all led here, to this quiet victory lap in an empty arena, the weight of history pressing down like a gold medal around a neck.

Reader's Guide

The U.S. men's team has won gold in 1960, 1964, 1968, 1976, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. The Soviet Union won gold in 1972 and 1988. Yugoslavia won gold in 1980. Argentina won gold in 2004.

Did You Know?

• Carmelo Anthony won three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016) before Kevin Durant.
• The U.S. men's team won seven consecutive titles from 1936 through 1968.
• The U.S. did not win gold in 1972, losing controversially to the Soviet Union.