[Source-hoopfeed.com]
USA Triumphs in Nail-Biting Final
In a dramatic conclusion to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the USA women’s basketball clinches eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal with a thrilling 67-66 victory over France in the final. The match, held at the Bercy Arena, saw the American team fighting from behind, trailing by double digits in the third quarter before staging a remarkable comeback. This victory extends the USA women’s record to 61 straight Olympic wins, a streak that began in 1992 and now stands as the longest gold medal sequence in a traditional team sport, surpassing the previous record set by the USA men’s basketball team.
Close Contest and Key Moments
The final was a closely contested battle with France’s passionate supporters creating a charged atmosphere. A’ja Wilson led the USA with 21 points, and the game was decided in the final seconds when Gabby Williams’ attempt to force overtime fell short by mere centimeters. Despite shooting only 17% from three-point range and committing 19 turnovers, the USA’s resilience shone through. The game mirrored the 2012 London Olympics gold-medal match, which the USA had won by a significant margin, highlighting the close nature of this encounter.
Historic Achievements and Records
USA center Brittney Griner, who secured her third Olympic gold, and Diana Taurasi, now holding the record for the most Olympic gold medals in any team sport, were among the standout performers. Taurasi’s sixth gold medal underscores her exceptional career. Additionally, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young made history as the first players to win gold in both 3×3 and 5×5 basketball. The game also marked the first time in Olympic history that both men’s and women’s basketball finals featured USA vs. France matchups.
With this victory, the USA women’s basketball clinches eighth consecutive Olympic gold, continuing its dominance and adding to a remarkable legacy that includes six of the last seven World Cup titles. The team’s only defeat during this period was in the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Russia.
