(Source – Reuters)
Gripping Finale: U.S. Secures Victory by a Single Point
The U.S. women’s basketball team narrowly secured their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in a thrilling final against France, winning by a razor-thin margin of 67-66. The tension peaked when Gabby Williams of France took a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer, only to have it ruled a two-pointer as her foot was on the three-point line. The Americans, who have dominated global women’s basketball for decades, found themselves pushed to the brink in a game that left the Bercy Arena crowd in Paris in stunned silence. The victory added to Team USA’s impressive streak of 61 consecutive Olympic wins, though this one was marked more by relief than triumph.
Key Performances: Wilson and Copper Shine Amidst the Pressure
Despite the victory, the game was far from easy for the U.S. team. A’ja Wilson led the American effort with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, including key plays that helped the team recover from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter. Wilson, who was named MVP of the Olympics for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament, played a crucial role in the second half after struggling early on.
Kahleah Copper also emerged as a hero, scoring the decisive free throws with just three seconds left on the clock, ensuring the U.S. held onto their lead. Kelsey Plum contributed significantly off the bench, scoring 12 points and making four critical free throws in the final moments, while Breanna Stewart’s defensive efforts, including a crucial blocked shot, helped secure the win.
Tense Battle: France’s Aggressive Play Nearly Upsets the Favorites
France delivered an exceptional performance, challenging the U.S. women’s basketball team like no other in recent memory. Their aggressive, physical defense disrupted the usually fluid American offense, leading to an unusually high number of turnovers. By halftime, the U.S. had already committed 15 turnovers, surpassing their tournament average. Fueled by the home crowd, the French team played with relentless energy, harassing the Americans and keeping the game close until the very end. Despite their best efforts, France fell just short, leaving the U.S. to celebrate another gold medal, albeit one won by the narrowest of margins. This game will be remembered as one of the most intense and challenging victories in U.S. women’s basketball team history at the Olympics.
- Curious to learn more? Explore more news on: Mr. Business Magazine
