PARIS — On July 27, Diana Taurasi expressed to reporters her belief that France could challenge the U.S. women’s basketball team during their quest for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Her prediction proved accurate.
With A’ja Wilson delivering an impressive performance of 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks, along with a critical late basket from Kahleah Copper and a vital block by Breanna Stewart, Team USA overcame a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, securing a narrow 67-66 victory over the host nation, France, to clinch the gold medal 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.”
With a slim 62-59 lead, Stewart made an essential defensive play by deflecting France’s three-point attempt with just 20 seconds left, allowing Wilson to extend the lead with one of her two free throws. France’s Gabby Williams attempted a buzzer-beater that fell short as it was not behind the three-point line, sealing the one-point win for the U.S.
In a game marked by sloppiness, both teams struggled offensively, with the U.S. shooting only 34% and France at 32%. The Americans committed 19 turnovers, leading to 14 points for the French team.
The match was tied 25-25 at halftime, but France surged early in the second half to establish a 10-point lead, marking the largest deficit the U.S. faced throughout the tournament.
A’ja Wilson stood out once again, finishing as the game’s top scorer and rebounder. Her defensive prowess, highlighted by timely blocks early in the third quarter, kept the Americans in contention during a period when they struggled to find their rhythm offensively.
The intensity of the game escalated in the closing minutes, as both teams fought to maintain their leads. With Jackie Young fouling out late in the fourth quarter, the game remained tightly contested, and both teams faced challenges at the free-throw line, significantly favoring the U.S.
As the final buzzer approached, USA’s defense proved decisive, culminating in their hard-fought victory. Wilson’s exceptional play throughout the tournament reaffirmed her status as one of the best players in the game, inspiring her team to a historic eighth consecutive gold medal victory.