Seeing Double: USA Women’s Basketball Wins Gold in Paris
Photo Courtesy: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The United States basketball organization is seeing double in the 2024 Paris Olympics as the women’s team joined the men’s team winning the gold medal.
The US women came into the tournament as heavy favorites to win it all and they showed up and did exactly that. After defeating Japan, Belgium, Germany, Nigeria and Australia by 10+ points, they were on top of the world. Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, A’Ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Cooper all had highlight plays/games that put them into the conversations as the top player for the team.
Photo Courtesy: FIBA
After a run of dominance, it was expected that USA would continue their streak in the gold medal match against the home country, France. However, that was not the case. In a game that had numerous lead changes, good and bad plays and also a show of force from the home representatives in Paris. Playing in a hostile environment definitely did not help team USA as well.
In the end, all these factors did not matter as USA completed the 67-66 win over France and took home the gold. After her performance throughout the games as well as a dominant 21 point, 13 rebounds, four block game in the final, A’Ja Wilson was named MVP of the Olympic game. Wilson in particular is quickly becoming one of the most decorated athletes in women’s sports as she is now an NCAA champion, alongside being a two-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist as well being the MVP of the WNBA two-times and rookie of the year. In her six year career, Wilson has proven her dominance both domestically and internationally.
Photo Courtesy: SBNation.com
As for 2028, there will be some new faces likely to come in. With Diana Taurasi playing at the age of 42 in these Olympics, it is likely that at least one spot will open up for stars such as Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Hailey Van Lith, Paige Bueckers, just to name a few. As the WNBA continues to rise in popularity, the US women will look to continue their dominance in Los Angeles for the 2028 games.
