Source – outlookindia.com
Team USA Overcomes a Ten-Point Deficit
The USA womens basketball team secured its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal after a dramatic 67-66 victory over France in the Paris Olympics. The game was marked by intense competition and high stakes, with the American team facing a ten-point deficit in the third quarter. Despite the odds, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to maintain its long-standing Olympic dominance.
Kelsey Plum, a key player in the match, found herself at the free-throw line with just over two minutes remaining, leading by a single point. Reflecting on the moment, Plum said, “God is so good, He has a sense of humor.” Her successful free throws were crucial in securing the narrow victory. The USA womens basketball team, under immense pressure, managed to hold off France with clutch plays, including a critical three-pointer by Plum that reignited the team’s momentum.
France Puts Up a Strong Fight
The French team, playing on their home turf, put up a formidable challenge, disrupting the usually dominant American defense and offense. The game was tightly contested, with France leading for significant portions, including a brief ten-point advantage in the third quarter. The French defense forced numerous turnovers from the U.S., and the Americans struggled with their shooting accuracy, managing just 34% from the field and 17% from beyond the arc.
France’s Marine Fathoux added to the excitement with a near-logo three-pointer, keeping the game tied at halftime. Despite their efforts, France could not maintain their lead in the face of the U.S. team’s experience and physicality. A’ja Wilson led Team USA with 21 points, supported by Plum and Kahleah Copper, who both contributed 12 points off the bench.
USA womens basketball team claims 8th straight gold medal in victory over France 🥇
A Historic Victory with Future Implications
This victory extends Team USA’s unbeaten streak in Olympic play, a run that dates back to 1992. The win also marks the United States’ 40th gold medal of these Games, tying them with China for the most golds by any country. The U.S. women’s basketball team’s dominance continues to be a highlight of the Olympics, with no signs of slowing down as they look toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The game’s intensity and the French team’s close challenge serve as a reminder that the U.S. cannot afford to be complacent, even with their impressive track record. For now, however, the team can revel in their victory. Kelsey Plum, known for celebrating with victory cigars, hinted at continuing the tradition in Paris, marking the end of another successful Olympic campaign for the USA womens basketball team.
Also read: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shatters Her Record to Claim Olympic Gold
