PARIS — On July 27, Diana Taurasi expressed her belief that the U.S. women’s basketball team would face a tough challenge from France as they aimed for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Her insight proved accurate.
A’ja Wilson led Team USA to a dramatic 67-66 victory over the host nation, scoring 21 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking four shots. With a crucial late score from Kahleah Copper and a key defensive block from Breanna Stewart, the Americans overcame a 10-point deficit in the third quarter to clinch gold on Sunday at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We just knew what we had to do,” said Wilson, who was named the tournament’s MVP. “We believed in each other and that’s the greatest thing about it.”
In a tense finale, with the U.S. ahead 62-59, Stewart’s fingertip block denied France a three-pointer, and Wilson then added a free throw to extend the lead. Gabby Williams’ last-second shot for France fell short as it was not a three-pointer, sealing the U.S. victory.
The game was characterized by its scrappy nature, with the U.S. shooting only 34% and France 32%, and the Americans committing 19 turnovers that allowed France to score 14 points off those errors. A tie game at halftime (25-25) shifted in France’s favor after the break as they took a 10-point lead, the largest deficit faced by the U.S. throughout the tournament.
Wilson’s performance was pivotal, particularly her defensive prowess, where she recorded two game-changing blocks in the critical third quarter. Despite the team’s poor shooting and numerous turnovers, her leadership propelled the U.S. to the top of the podium.
As the game progressed, Kahleah Copper provided key moments, answering France’s scoring efforts and helping to maintain the U.S. lead as time wound down. A late foul by Jackie Young added to the pressure for the Americans as they fought to hold the lead.
Despite the challenges, the U.S. women’s team proved their mettle and once again stood atop the Olympic podium, securing their eighth consecutive gold medal. Their performance showcased not just skill but remarkable resilience in a match that tested their limits against a strong French side.