Team USA clinched the gold medal with a tight 67-66 victory over France, marking their eighth consecutive gold in women’s basketball and extending their winning streak to 61 straight Olympic games. Despite the expected dominance, this win was a close, intense battle.
How U.S. women’s basketball beat France to win Olympic goldhttps://t.co/WkqTEbvaur
— Keyon Jeff ✊🏾 (@kkjeff) August 11, 2024
The U.S. team faced a significant challenge, trailing by as many as 10 points in the third quarter. However, strong performances in the second half from A’ja Wilson, Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum proved crucial in securing the win.
Wilson, who led with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, initially struggled with missed shots but came through in the crucial moments. “I’m so proud of the resilience my team showed,” Wilson remarked. “We could have crumbled at many times, but we pulled through.”
France’s Gabby Williams had a standout game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Her performance included a dramatic three-pointer with 11 seconds left, which brought France within one point. Despite a last-second shot from Williams that could have won the game, it was ruled that her foot was on the line, resulting in a narrow defeat for France.
The first half was challenging for Team USA, ending in a 25-25 tie. Both A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart struggled, combining for only 3 of 15 shots. Turnovers plagued the U.S., with 13 in the first half and a shooting percentage of just 28%.
At halftime, Hall of Fame player Lisa Leslie noted the U.S. was playing poorly but still managed to be tied. The second half saw USA fall behind by 10 points before making a comeback with an 8-0 run. Kelsey Plum hit two crucial three-pointers, and Napheesa Collier and Wilson began to find their rhythm.
A final event coverage story from @danielle_lerner in Paris. Bien Joue!
U.S. holds on to beat France for eighth consecutive gold in women’s basketball https://t.co/a6Sypg07NU via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) August 11, 2024
Kahleah Copper, who had previously been a less prominent player, emerged as a key figure with 10 points in the fourth quarter. She ended the game with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and the highest plus-minus rating of +8.
For France, Valeriane Ayayi and Marine Johannes each added 9 points, while Marieme Badiane and Marine Fauthoux contributed 8 points each. Despite their valiant effort, they fell short.
Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve praised the atmosphere at the Bercy Arena, acknowledging the game’s difficulties but celebrating the victory. “It’s a lot of trust that has to happen,” Reeve said. “I’m thrilled that we were able to get it done.”
EIGHTH STRAIGHT GOLD!
The U.S. women’s basketball team rallied to beat France, winning their eighth straight gold medal and 61st-consecutive game. pic.twitter.com/Ijc5LCcrXP— WLKY (@WLKY) August 11, 2024
With this win, the U.S. extended their Olympic winning streak to 61 games, reinforcing their dominance in women’s basketball. As Dawn Staley put it, “We’re the dynasty of all dynasties.”
Key Points:
i. Tight Victory: Team USA won 67-66 against France, securing their eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball and extending their Olympic winning streak to 61 games.
ii. Dramatic Finish: France’s Gabby Williams hit a three-pointer with 11 seconds left to cut the deficit to one point, but a last-second shot that could have won the game for France was ruled out as her foot was on the line.
iii. Key Performers: A’ja Wilson led Team USA with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, while Kahleah Copper scored 10 crucial points in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
iv. First Half Struggles: The U.S. team struggled in the first half, tying 25-25 and facing turnovers and poor shooting, but they made a comeback in the second half to secure the victory.
v. France’s Effort: Gabby Williams was standout for France with 19 points, and despite their strong performance, they were unable to overcome the U.S. in the final moments of the game.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
