Americans Secure Eighth Consecutive Olympic Gold Medal

PARIS — On July 27, Diana Taurasi expressed her belief that France could challenge the U.S. women’s basketball team as they aimed for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Her prediction proved accurate in a thrilling finale.

In a gripping gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA overcame a ten-point deficit in the third quarter, ultimately triumphing over the host nation with a narrow 67-66 victory.

A’ja Wilson had a standout performance, contributing 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks. Kahleah Copper played a pivotal role with a crucial late bucket, while Breanna Stewart’s significant block sealed the win for the Americans.

“We just knew what we had to do,” Wilson stated confidently after the game. “We believed in each other, and that’s the greatest thing about it.”

With the U.S. leading 62-59, Stewart managed to deflect a critical 3-point attempt from France, providing a significant defensive boost. Wilson then secured a free throw, extending the lead to two possessions in the final moments.

France’s Gabby Williams launched a shot as time expired, but foot placement outside the arc meant her effort fell short, giving the U.S. a hard-fought one-point victory.

The match showcased a gritty, competitive spirit from both teams. USA struggled offensively, shooting just 34% from the field, while France managed a slightly lower 32%. The Americans turned the ball over 19 times, which resulted in 14 points for their opponents.

The teams entered halftime tied at 25-25, but France quickly took control after the break, stretching their lead to ten—the largest deficit the U.S. faced throughout the tournament.

As tensions rose, Williams executed a long-range two-pointer to nudge the score to 67-66. The U.S. responded with a layup from Copper, regaining a three-point lead with just 54 seconds remaining. Wilson contributed with a free throw, though Marine Johannes of France soon made two, keeping the pressure on the Americans.

With only 2:34 left in the contest, foul trouble crept in for the U.S. as Jackie Young fouled out, ramping up the drama of the closing moments. Viewers noted the strong physicality characteristic of international basketball, contrasting with American play. Although some questioned refereeing decisions, the U.S. had seen 24 free throw attempts compared to France’s nine, indicating a vastly different foul dynamic.

A’ja Wilson became increasingly assertive in the crucial moments, with her four blocks exemplifying her defensive dominance. She accumulated 14 points alongside 12 rebounds, marking a defining performance in the late stages.

As the third quarter wrapped up, Johannes connected on a key 3-pointer, tying the game at 43-43. Kelsey Plum and Wilson each made impactful baskets, but France remained persistent, further demonstrating their tenacity.

However, early in the game, it was evident that the matchup would be more competitive than initially anticipated. France’s excellent defensive strategies thwarted the Americans, who struggled with their shooting precision—a stark contrast from their earlier performances in the Olympics.

Halftime statistics painted a grim picture for the U.S., shooting just 29% with a combined 19 turnovers from both teams. Notably, Wilson found limited success, shooting only 2-of-9 in the first half, a stark contrast to her usual performance levels.

Despite early challenges, the Americans deployed their trusted lineup, continuing with players who had proven successful in previous knockout rounds. Coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the importance of strategic play to secure the gold against a resilient French squad.

This victory signifies a monumental achievement for U.S. women’s basketball, with the team now boasting eleven Olympic medals—nine gold, one silver, and one bronze. Their streak of seven consecutive gold medals extends back to the 1996 Olympics, solidifying their title as a dominant dynasty in the basketball realm.

As the U.S. celebrates their success, the journey of this year’s Olympics marks yet another chapter in their storied history, continuing to elevate women’s basketball on the world stage.

Source: USA Today