The final event on the schedule for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games featured the Gold Medal Game between Team USA and host nation France. We can definitively say that this year’s Olympics pulled a Vanessa Williams and saved its best for last.
The Stars and Stripes were taken to the limit – and then some, and then a bit more as France fully utilized its home court advantage to its benefit. When all was said and done, USA Basketball does what it does best – bring home gold medals.
Team USA claimed a 67-66 victory over France to make it eight consecutive Olympic gold medals dating back to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
It was a 67-64 lead for Team USA heading into the final seconds of the fourth quarter – and one final France possession. A cross-court pass found Gabby Williams who banked in a long-range jumper. Only one problem – her foot was on the line ala Kevin Durant’s foot being on the line in that infamous 2021 NBA playoff series for the Brooklyn Nets against the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks.
The contest was close from start to finish – and a huge reason for that was Team USA making a lot of uncharacteristic mistakes. Cheryl Reeve’s team committed a bevy of turnovers in the first half with many of those miscues caused by the length that France used to its advantage on the defensive end of the floor.
A’ja Wilson may not have resembled vintage A’ja Wilson but she still found ways to make plays per usual. In 33 minutes, she tallied 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Four blocks were also part of Wilson’s afternoon at Bercy Arena.
In tight contests such as this year’s Gold Medal Game, they usually come down to which team has an x-factor off its bench. Fittingly, Team USA’s X-Factor comes from a team in the Phoenix Mercury known far and wide for its X-Factor.
Kahleah Copper played 22 minutes and tallied 12 points, grabbed five rebounds and collected two steals. In addition, she was a perfect six for six from the line in a game that certainly resembled more of the physical style FIBA is known for as opposed to the more finesse play of the WNBA.
Team USA as a whole also had “that bench” as evidenced by the performance of Kelsey Plum. She had more than 21 minutes of playing time while also scoring 12 points and dishing out four assists.
For all intents and purposes, Sunday’s matchup was the Gabby Williams game. And while it may not have been the result she was looking for, Williams put forth a valiant effort in front of the home fans. Williams scored 19 points, hauled in seven rebounds and scooped up three steals. There is a reason as to why she was such a critical element of that 2021 Chicago Sky championship run.
And there is a reason as to why Williams was named to the All-Star Five for this year’s Olympics. Said All-Star Five includes names familiar to fans of the W. These include Germany’s Emma Meesseman and Australia’s Alanna Smith – as well as Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson from Team USA.
Speaking of Wilson, she added yet another MVP (or, should we say M’VP) award to her already extensive trophy case.
Williams was also named Best Defensive Player of the tournament along with being named to the All-Star Five.
Another from the Opals, who departed France with a bronze medal following an 85-81 victory over Belgium, was awarded an individual honor as well. Jade Melbourne was named the Rising Star of Paris 2024.
The All-Second Team for the tournament has some impressive (and familiar) names as well. That list included Ezinne Kalu of Nigeria, Julie Vanloo from Belgium, Satou Sabally of Germany, Valeriane Ayayi of France and Australia’s Ezi Magbegor.
In addition, D’Tigress coach Rena Wakama was named Best Coach of this year’s Olympic tournament.
While Brittney Griner only scored four points and only played a bit over four minutes, one of the more emotional moments was seeing her receive a gold medal, seeing the American flag get raised and hearing the Star-Spangled Banner played. Two years ago, BG was going through the atrocity of being held in a Russian prison. That Sunday, she represented the country that rescued her playing the game she loves earning the highest international sporting honor one could claim – an Olympic gold medal.
Remember…Griner said in one of her first press conferences following her return to American soil that the only time she would go overseas was to represent her country in the Olympics.
With this year’s Games in the books, attention now turns to four years from now when Team USA will seek to defend its home soil and claim a ninth consecutive gold medal at LA28.
The 12 that were on this year’s USA roster will switch from Olympic mode back into WNBA mode after a mission was accomplished during a business trip to the City of Lights.
