International, News & Lifestyle, On The Court

Six-Peat Complete! Team USA defeats Spain 101-72 to win sixth straight gold medal

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Tom Pennington

Atlanta 1996-Gold.

Sydney 2000-Gold.

Athens 2004-Gold.

Beijing 2008-Gold.

London 2012-Gold.

Rio 2016-Gold.

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team finds itself in familiar position at the conclusion of an Olympics tournament—at the top of the medal podium with gold medals draped around their necks, and the National Anthem belting from the loudspeakers in the background.

Team USA’s 49th consecutive Olympic victory resulted in its sixth consecutive medal dating back to ’96 in another emphatic performance, this time defeating Spain by a final of 101-72.

With the victory, the team concludes the Olympics having averaged 102.1 points per game. Whether it was at the Youth Arena in Deodoro or at the Carioca Arena in Barra, it was Team USA’s world and everyone else seemingly was just living in it.

It is also the fourth Olympic gold medal for Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, and Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, in what could have been her final time on a basketball court adorned with the five rings, concluded with 17 points (five for seven from three-point range)—as did Lindsay Whalen, who also had six assists.

Maya Moore added 14 points, Breanna Stewart finished with 11, and Elena Delle Donne had 10.

For Spain, which won silver, Alba Torrens led her team with 18 points, Marta Xargay finished with 12, and Astou Ndour and Silvia Dominguez concluded with 11 each.

This one began rather close as Spain remained around as they only were within four of Team USA at the conclusion of the first quarter (21-17).

When it was 27-24 in the second quarter, and it became 37-24 in the second quarter via a 10-0 run, one could get the feeling of what was on the horizon. It was 49-32 in favor of Team USA at the half with Moore scoring 12 of her 14 points in the first half.

That lead made it likely that the sixth gold medal was within reach. When it was 81-49 at the conclusion of three quarters, it was practically a done deal that Team USA would be returning from Brazil, once again solidifying its status as the top team in the world.



By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)

You may also like

The W Podcast Returns! Happy 10th anniversary to Beyond The W!

Caitlin Clark obliterates narratives in Time Magazine ‘Athlete of the Year’ interview – where is the coverage?

The Ascent Begins: Golden State Valkyries hold its expansion draft