Worthy de Jong’s Clutch Shot Secures Netherlands’ Olympic 3×3 Gold in Thrilling Overtime Finale
The Netherlands secured gold in the men’s 3×3 basketball tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a 21-20 victory over Serbia in a dramatic overtime, capped by Worthy de Jong’s game-winning shot at the buzzer. The Dutch team, led by de Jong’s 11 points and 3 assists, overcame a late Serbian surge to claim their first Olympic gold in the discipline, ending a 12-year medal drought in Olympic basketball.
How the Netherlands Won: A Shot-by-Shot Breakdown of the Overtime Thriller
The final was a back-and-forth battle, with Serbia leading 17-16 with 30 seconds left in regulation. The Dutch responded with a 3-pointer by Nick van der Velden to tie the game at 17-17 and force overtime. In the extra period, Serbia took a 20-18 lead with under 30 seconds remaining, but de Jong answered with a driving layup to cut the deficit to 20-20. With 0.3 seconds left, de Jong sank a three-pointer from the right wing to seal the victory.
Key stats from the gold-medal game:
- Worthy de Jong (NED): 11 points (5/8 FG), 3 assists, 2 rebounds
- Nick van der Velden (NED): 10 points (4/7 FG), 1 assist
- Dylan Koert (NED): 6 points (2/4 FG), 1 rebound
- Serbia’s leading scorer: Dušan Domović Bulut (14 points)
The Netherlands had won just one medal in Olympic basketball since 2004—a silver in Beijing 2008—but this victory in 3×3 marks their first gold in the sport since 2000. The tournament, held at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, drew record crowds for 3×3 basketball, with an estimated 10,000 spectators in attendance.
Why This Victory Matters: The Rise of Dutch 3×3 Basketball
The Netherlands’ gold medal caps a decade of dominance in 3×3 basketball. The Dutch team has won three of the last four FIBA 3×3 World Cups (2017, 2019, 2022) and has been a consistent contender in Olympic qualifying. Their success in Paris 2024 solidifies their status as the world’s best 3×3 team, a sport that has grown exponentially since its Olympic debut in Rio 2016.
According to FIBA’s official rankings, the Netherlands entered the tournament as the top-ranked team, and their victory ensures they will remain at the summit. The win also sets up the Dutch team for a potential run at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2025, where they will look to add another trophy to their collection.
Comparison: Netherlands vs. Serbia in Paris 2024
| Team | Points Scored | Field Goal % | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 21 | 45.5% | 11 | 6 |
| Serbia | 20 | 40.0% | 8 | 7 |
Worthy de Jong: The Player Who Delivered in the Biggest Moment
De Jong, a 24-year-old guard from Rotterdam, has been the face of Dutch 3×3 basketball for years. His performance in Paris—particularly his clutch shooting in overtime—cemented his legacy as one of the greatest 3×3 players of his generation. Before the Olympics, de Jong had already won two FIBA 3×3 World Cup MVP awards (2019, 2022) and was a key member of the Dutch team that won the European Championship in 2021.
In an interview with NOS Sport after the game, de Jong reflected on the moment:
“When the buzzer sounded, I didn’t even realize the game was over. I just knew I had to make that shot. The team believed in me, and I delivered.”
De Jong’s leadership and scoring ability have made him the cornerstone of the Dutch team. His ability to perform under pressure—especially in high-stakes moments like the Olympic final—has been a defining trait of his career.
What Happens Next for the Dutch Team and Worthy de Jong?
The Netherlands will now look to transition their Olympic success into future competitions. Their next major tournament is the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2025, where they will aim to defend their title. Additionally, the Dutch team is expected to continue competing in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, where they have been dominant in recent years.
For Worthy de Jong, the gold medal is a career highlight, but he has indicated he plans to continue playing at the highest level. He has already signed with a team in the Big3 League for the 2025 season, where he will look to bring his Olympic-winning energy to the U.S.-based competition.
Upcoming Schedule for the Dutch 3×3 Team:
- September 2024: FIBA 3×3 World Tour stop in Dubai
- November 2024: European 3×3 Championship in Antwerp
- June 2025: FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Bangkok
How to Follow the Dutch Team’s Journey
Fans looking to stay updated on the Netherlands’ 3×3 basketball team can follow these official sources:
The Netherlands’ gold medal in men’s 3×3 basketball at Paris 2024 is a historic achievement, marking the country’s first Olympic gold in basketball since 2000. With Worthy de Jong’s heroics and a dominant team performance, the Dutch have cemented their place as the best in the world. What’s next? The journey continues in Dubai, Antwerp, and beyond.
Have thoughts on the Netherlands’ victory or Worthy de Jong’s performance? Share your take in the comments below or on social media using #Archysport.
