OOn the last day of competition at the Olympic Games in Paris, the safest American bet paid off again.
But this time only just.
The U.S. women’s national basketball team won its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal on Sunday. surprisingly close 67-66 Victory over host France at the Bercy Arena. The victory not only confirmed the USA’s long-standing dominance in basketball. It gave the USA its 40th gold medal at the Paris Games and tied China for the most gold medals at these Olympic Games. The USA leads the overall medal table with 126 medals, China with 91.
By any objective measure, the US team won the Paris Olympics.
A’ja Wilson saved the game for the USA when she scored 21 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked 4 Shots. France played the Americans to a surprise 25-25 halftime tie, and the home team built a 35-25 lead early in the third period. The United States had won its last 60 Olympic Games by an average margin of about 30 points. Could the host nation possibly end its successful Olympics with an impossible upset?
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The French were so close.
Wilson was everywhere for most of the third quarter – grabbing rebounds, blocking shots – and stopping France’s run. The U.S. entered the fourth quarter with a 45-43 lead. With just over five minutes left, France took a 53-51 lead. A free throw by Breanna Stewart put the Americans back ahead, 56-55, with less than four minutes remaining. Then Wilson – of course – scored to give the U.S. a 58-55 lead they would not relinquish. A layup by Kahleah Copper put the Americans ahead, 62-59, with just over a minute left to play. Marine Fauthoux forced a three-pointer to tie the game: Stewart was there, and the Americans held on..
During those games, Wilson has proven time and time again that she is the best basketball player in the world. She averages 27.2 points per game in the WNBA for the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces and could become the first player in league history to average 12 rebounds per game (she currently averages 11.96 per game). She reached the semifinals of the Olympics with a solid 18.2 points per game. Although she missed a number of short shots she normally hits before halftime of the gold medal game, Wilson still attacked and attacked.
The 1.95 m tall left-hander can do everything. She dribbles and shoots well, passes willingly and provides variety with her physical game.
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This gold medal was historic for Diana Taurasi, the veteran U.S. star who won her sixth Olympic title. Although she battled injuries and didn’t play much in these Games, Taurasi is the first Olympic basketball player to ever win six Olympic gold medals.
Brittney Griner may one day catch up to Taurasi: She has now won three Olympic gold medals and can celebrate them after spending 293 days in prison in Russia in 2022 before being released in a prisoner exchange. Stewart, the reigning WNBA MVP, also won a third consecutive gold medal.
With all business taken care of in Paris, attention now turns back to the WNBA, which is drawing record numbers of fans this season thanks in large part to an influx of compelling newcomers, most notably Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Play resumes on August 15. Clark’s omission from the Olympic roster sparked controversy. She has brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball and would surely have drawn cheers – and probably succeeded – on the stage in Paris.
But the American players in Paris have all earned their way here. Clark’s Olympic time will likely come. Women’s basketball’s moment continues.
