Americans Pursue Eighth Consecutive Olympic Gold Medal

PARS — The U.S. women’s basketball team is facing off against France in the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with aspirations for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Veteran star Diana Taurasi is in pursuit of her sixth career gold medal. Throughout this Olympic journey, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart have been instrumental in leading the American squad.

So far, the atmosphere is electric as A’ja Wilson stirs up emotions and intensity, indicating that the U.S. could be hitting their stride at the right moment. Wilson has showcased her defensive prowess with four blocks, asserting herself as a force on that end of the court during crucial moments. She has contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, while two assists from Sabrina Ionescu to Napheesa Collier have aided in their comeback after facing a 10-point deficit.

However, France remains relentless, making for an intense and competitive fourth quarter. Marine Johannes hit a crucial three-pointer with just 25 seconds left in the third quarter to bring the score to 43-43, showcasing the resilience of the French team.

Kelsey Plum also made her mark in the game with two significant three-pointers in the third quarter, aiding the U.S. in regaining a brief lead at 43-40 after Wilson executed two crucial blocks. It’s evident this game will require every ounce of skill and focus from the American players.

Much to the surprise of many, the anticipated U.S. dominance is being challenged. France kicked off the second half with an impressive 8-0 run, pushing the Americans into a timeout to regroup. With the crowd fervently supporting the home team, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

As the first half closed, Team USA found themselves tied after an essential tip-in from Napheesa Collier just before the buzzer, a pivotal moment in an otherwise lackluster half of basketball.

The statistics from the first half were far from promising. Both teams struggled from the field, with the U.S. shooting 29% and France not far behind at 28%. A staggering 19 total turnovers highlighted the chaotic nature of the game. A’ja Wilson held six points, having shot 2-of-9, while Breanna Stewart struggled even more at 1-of-6, contributing only five points. Both Wilson and Collier had nine rebounds each, but France’s Gabby Williams led her team with eight points.

The early stages of the game raised eyebrows regarding the officiating, particularly regarding France’s lack of favorable calls. They racked up seven fouls compared to a mere single foul against the U.S., which allowed the Americans to capitalize on free-throw opportunities (7-of-10) while France had yet to take even a single shot from the charity stripe.

While the Americans maintained their established starting lineup for the knockout round, France’s strategies revolved around offensive rebounds—securing six by the first half. Nevertheless, converting those chances into points became essential for their chances at victory.

USA head coach Cheryl Reeve, along with her assistant coaches who led the team to victory in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, understand the stakes of this game. With stars like A’ja Wilson, who leads the team with impressive averages in scoring, rebounding, blocking, and stealing, the USA seems equipped for the challenge.

The U.S. women’s basketball team has a rich history of success at the Olympics, having medaled in every iteration they participated in, aside from the 1980 boycott. With a record of nine gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, they have firmly established their dominance in the sport.

As the game progresses, the competitive spirit is palpable, with both teams fighting for a victory. The U.S. women’s roster boasts a mix of elite athletes, including MVPs and champions, proving their depth and talent as they seek to extend their gold medal streak.

Today’s championship is more than just a game; it’s a showcase of not only talent but also resilience, determination, and the sheer will to win against formidable opponents like France, who are eager to seize the moment on home soil.

As the American women work tirelessly to secure their place in history, this final match will be a notable chapter in the legacy of women’s basketball. The tip-off at 9:30 a.m. ET marks the beginning of a pivotal moment that fans and athletes alike will not want to miss.

Source: USA Today