PARIS – The U.S. women’s basketball team clinched their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in a nail-biting 67-66 victory against France on Sunday. This historic win makes the U.S. the first basketball team in Olympic history to achieve eight consecutive gold medals, extending their winning streak at the Summer Games to 61 games since 1992.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Despite not playing their best basketball, the U.S. team managed to come out on top, thanks to A’Ja Wilson, who led the team with 21 points. The final moments of the game were tense, with France’s Gabby Williams sinking a buzzer-beating jumper. However, the shot was ruled a two-pointer, giving the U.S. a narrow one-point win.
“It was a little bit ugly. But no matter what, whether it’s good, ugly, whatever, we just want to come out on top, and we did that, and we go home with this gold,” Breanna Stewart said after the game.
Defensive Battle
The first half was a struggle for the U.S., who couldn’t find their offensive rhythm against a tough French defense. France briefly led 25-23 just before halftime, but the U.S. managed to tie it at 25-25 as the half ended. The third quarter saw the U.S. falter, not scoring until over three minutes into the quarter and trailing by as many as ten points at one point.
“We had a hard time getting to our identity of being able to play and transition and score,” said U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve. “We were the two best defensive teams in the tournament, and we both showed that. It was ugly, but it was ugly for a reason. We both made it hard for each other.”
Key Contributions and Emotional Moments
Despite losing key scorer Jackie Young to fouls in the fourth quarter, the U.S. team rallied with crucial three-pointers and free throws from Kelsey Plum. France’s valiant effort fell just short, earning them a silver medal, while Australia secured the bronze by defeating Belgium.
Brittney Griner, competing internationally for the first time since her release in a prisoner swap with Russia 20 months ago, was emotional during the medal ceremony. “I was on the podium, flag was going up, as soon as the anthem started, tears started coming down my face,” Griner said. “I didn’t think I would be here, and then to be here, winning gold for my country… This gold medal’s gonna hold a special place amongst the other two I was fortunate to win.”
A Golden Weekend for U.S. Basketball
The U.S. women’s triumph capped off a golden weekend for American basketball. The day before, the U.S. men’s basketball team also faced France and emerged victorious with a 98-87 win, securing their fifth straight Olympic gold medal. Both U.S. teams went undefeated in the Paris Games, cementing their dominance on the international stage.
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