As I sat watching the closing ceremonies of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, I couldn't help but reflect on what we'd just witnessed in the basketball tournaments. Having followed Olympic basketball for over two decades, I can confidently say this was one of the most memorable competitions in recent history, despite the unique challenges of hosting during a pandemic. The numbers tell part of the story, but they don't capture the full drama that unfolded on those courts.

Let me start with the men's tournament, where Team USA claimed their fourth consecutive gold medal - a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the program's depth and resilience. The final against France was closer than many expected, with the Americans pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure an 87-82 victory. What impressed me most wasn't just their star power, but how they evolved throughout the tournament. After that shocking opening loss to France, they could have unraveled, but instead they grew stronger with each game. Kevin Durant was simply magnificent, proving once again why he's built for these international moments. The French team deserves tremendous credit too - their defensive organization and Rudy Gobert's presence in the paint made life difficult for everyone they faced.

Now, the women's tournament delivered what I consider some of the most dominant basketball I've ever seen at the Olympics. The US women's team secured their seventh consecutive gold medal, which is just absurd when you think about it. Their final against Japan ended 90-75, but the score doesn't reflect how completely they controlled the game. What makes this team special, in my view, is their incredible balance of veteran leadership and young talent. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi winning their fifth gold medals - that's historic, and we may never see that again in our lifetime. Meanwhile, A'ja Wilson announced herself as the next great American player with performances that left me shaking my head in admiration.

The quarterfinal matchups provided some of the tournament's most thrilling moments. I remember watching Slovenia's Luka Dončić put on an absolute show against Germany, scoring 48 points in their quarterfinal victory. The young superstar averaged 28.3 points throughout the tournament, and while Slovenia ultimately fell short of the medals, Dončić established himself as must-watch television for basketball fans worldwide. On the women's side, I was particularly impressed with Belgium's team, who pushed eventual silver medalists Japan to the limit before falling 86-85 in one of those games where you feel bad for either team having to lose.

What many casual viewers might have missed were the incredible scoring runs that defined several games. The US women's team had that remarkable stretch against Australia where they put together quarters of 29-20, 60-41, 91-62, and ultimately finished at 129-92. When Team USA gets rolling like that, it's like watching a perfectly tuned machine - every defensive stop turns into transition opportunities, and before you know it, they've put together a 15-0 run that breaks the game open. I've seen many great teams over the years, but this American squad had an extra gear that nobody could match.

The tournament format itself created some fascinating scenarios. The group stage produced several upsets that had me questioning my predictions early on. Nigeria beating Team USA in an exhibition game before the Olympics had everyone talking, though the Americans ultimately righted the ship when it mattered most. The knockout rounds delivered the drama we expect, with several games coming down to the final possession. France's narrow victory over Slovenia in the men's semifinal had me on the edge of my seat - Nicolas Batum's game-saving block with seconds remaining was one of those Olympic moments that will be replayed for years to come.

From a tactical perspective, I noticed several trends that distinguish international basketball from the NBA game. The shorter three-point line creates different spacing dynamics, and teams that can shoot from distance have a significant advantage. The physicality allowed in the post also changes how teams can defend, which explains why traditional big men like Gobert and Spain's Pau Gasol could still be so effective. What surprised me was how much the game has globalized - when I first started watching Olympic basketball, there were maybe three or four teams that could realistically medal. Now, six or seven nations have legitimate shots at the podium, which makes for much more compelling basketball.

The emotional component of these Games can't be overstated. These athletes had trained for five years rather than four due to the pandemic, and many were competing under circumstances nobody could have anticipated. The empty arenas created a surreal atmosphere, though the basketball purist in me appreciated being able to hear the on-court communication and coaching instructions. The joy on the faces of the first-time medalists, particularly the Australian men's team winning their first Olympic medal in basketball, reminded me why I love this sport so much.

Looking back, the 2021 Olympic basketball tournaments delivered everything we could have hoped for - established stars cementing their legacies, new talents emerging on the global stage, and games that kept us captivated until the final buzzer. The results reflect both the continued dominance of American basketball and the growing parity worldwide. While the scores and statistics provide the factual record of what occurred, they can't fully capture the narratives that made this tournament so special. As we look ahead to Paris 2024, the foundation has been laid for what should be another incredible chapter in Olympic basketball history.