It is called the greatest
dynasty in basketball for a reason.
The USA Women’s National
Basketball survived a major fightback by hosts France, outlasting
them 67-66, to clinch the Olympics Women’s Basketball gold medal
and their 8th straight in the tournament overall.
Gabby Williams had a shot to
send the game into overtime after Team USA took a 3-point lead with
4 seconds to go. Williams actually made the last-second shot
however she was inside the three-point line, as the basket counted
for just two points.
Williams led France with 19
points and 7 rebounds, as the hosts made history by making the
Women’s final on their home floor. Both the French Men’s and
Women’s teams made the Basketball final, both bowing out against
Team USA.
A’Ja Wilson saved her best for
last for Team USA, working out 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4
blocks. Wilson was named MVP of the FIBA Olympic Women’s Basketball
tournament for her splendid play all tournament long in the
process. Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper added 12 points each for
the Americans in the title-clinching moment.
France played well in the game,
even erecting a 10-point lead in the 3rd quarter. However, Team
USA’s overall dominance eventually took back the lead en route to
the gold medal.
According to FIBA, Team USA has
won their 10th Women’s tournament at the Olympics and won their 8th
final in a row, a run that started in 1996. They have extended
their current winning streak to 61 games in the
competition.
