It wasn’t the dominant victory most anticipated, however Workforce USA nonetheless obtained it achieved, pulling out a 67-66 win over France to take house the gold medal.
The win marks the U.S. ladies’s basketball group’s eighth consecutive gold medal — and 61st straight Olympic victory — however was an exhilarating, back-and-forth affair few may have predicted contemplating America’s dominance all through this event.
Workforce USA trailed by as many as 10 within the third quarter, however large second halves from A’ja Wilson, Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum helped them pull out the victory.
What was the in the end the distinction between France and USA down the stretch?
“We had A’ja Wilson they usually didn’t,” South Carolina basketball coach Daybreak Staley mentioned on the NBC postgame broadcast.
Wilson led the best way with 21 factors (6-14 factors), 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, however began the sport with a number of uncharacteristic missed photographs across the rim.
“I’m so pleased with the resilience my group confirmed,” Wilson mentioned after. “We may have fumbled, we may have crumbled at many occasions, however we pulled by way of.”
For France, Gabby Williams was super all sport lengthy. She completed with 19 factors, 7 rebounds, and three assists — together with 5 factors within the ultimate 5 seconds.
With Workforce USA up by 4 with 11 seconds to play, Williams hit a three-pointer to chop the deficit to at least one. Copper responded with two clutch free throws, after which Williams hit one other shot on the buzzer — however rapidly found that her foot was on the road, leading to a devastating one-point loss for France.
The primary half couldn’t have gone worse — after which it did
From the soar, USA seemed out of kinds. The sport was tied at 25 on the half, and each A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart had been struggling offensively, combining for simply 3/15 capturing. Turnovers plagued America’s offense — they’d 13 turnovers on the first half and shot simply 28% from the sphere.
The tie marked the primary time the U.S. ladies had been with out a halftime lead in an Olympic sport for the reason that 2012 semifinal in opposition to Australia (which Workforce USA went on to win).
At halftime, Corridor of Fame basketball participant Lisa Leslie mentioned she was shocked at America’s efficiency.
“Right here’s the excellent news,” she mentioned. “The U.S. has performed their worst sport, worst half and the rating continues to be tied.”
However a foul first half solely obtained worse for USA early within the third quarter. They fell behind by as many as 10 factors — a shocking actuality contemplating they led by 20+ for a lot of the event. It appeared that France was getting ready to blowing the sport open when USA responded with an 8-0 run to get again into it.
Kelsey Plum was instrumental in that interval — hitting two three-pointers — whereas Napheesa Collier and Wilson each started to search out an offensive rhythm.
Kahleah Copper dominated the fourth quarter
Earlier within the Olympics, the Mercury’s Kahleah Copper obtained a DNP and gave the impression to be one of many final gamers within the rotation. However, she’s loved elevated minutes of late, and was the hero on this one, scoring 10 fourth-quarter factors to maintain the U.S. offense going when the celebrities struggled.
She completed the sport with 12 factors and 5 rebounds, and had a game-high plus-minus of +8.
After the sport, Wilson was requested to explain Copper on stay TV, and had simply two phrases: “That b****.”
France put up a valiant effort within the loss
Gabby Williams was the star for France, ending the sport with 19 factors on 7-16 capturing, to go together with 7 rebounds, 3 steals and a couple of assists.
Valeriane Ayayi and Marine Johannes every added 9 factors, whereas Marieme Badiane and Marine Fauthoux added 8 factors apiece.
Workforce USA head coach Cheryl Reeve praised the unimaginable environment on the Bercy Area: “What a greater technique to end the Paris Olympics than to see that.”
Reeve acknowledged the sport had its troublesome moments, however nonetheless celebrated the victory.
“It’s numerous belief that has to occur,” Reeve mentioned. “I’m thrilled that we had been capable of get it achieved.”
In flip, USA secured a 61st straight Olympic win — a win streak that’s unparalleled amongst group sports activities within the Olympics.
Daybreak Staley captured it greatest after the sport: “We’re the dynasty of all dynasties.”
