The Women's Basketball Gold Medal Showdown: Paris 2024
Today's Olympic Basketball Schedule: Women's Medal Events
Sunday, 11 August
- Women's Bronze Medal Final: Australia vs. Belgium at 10:30 a.m. BST on USA Network, Peacock, and NBCOlympics.com.
- Women's Gold Medal Final: USA vs. France at 8:30 p.m. BST on NBC, Peacock, and NBCOlympics.com.
2024 Olympic Medals: Stay updated on the medal tally as we track the results across all sports.
Team USA: The U.S. women's basketball team is competing for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Don’t miss the highlights of the Olympics
The final competitive event at the 2024 Paris Olympics is the women's basketball gold medal final, where Team USA will face host nation France.
A well-rounded team effort, with four players scoring 10 or more points, led the United States to an 85-64 victory over Australia. In a game where head coach Cheryl Reeve's team never trailed, Breanna Stewart led the way with 16 points and five assists, closely followed by Jackie Young with 14 points and five assists. In the other semi-final, a dramatic match where both teams led by a large margin, France beat Belgium 81-75 in overtime.
The U.S. women enter this gold medal match having won 60 consecutive games at the Olympics, a record that underscores their near-total dominance in the sport. Team USA has won nine of the last 12 Olympic tournaments, and a victory Sunday would mark its eighth straight gold medal.
Here's everything you need to know about Sunday's Olympic basketball medal games.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw to a close, all eyes will be on the final, high-stakes event in women's basketball. The gold medal game promises to be a spectacular clash of the titans, featuring Team USA and host nation France. With a legendary history of excellence and an intense build-up, this match will become a defining moment of the games.
Team USA: The Powerhouse of Women’s Basketball
Team USA has long been synonymous with dominance in women's basketball. Their track record is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a remarkable streak of 60 wins in Olympic competition. This impressive streak underscores the team's continued dominance and formidable presence on the international stage.
Team USA's journey to the gold medal final in Paris 2024 was characterized by a combination of tactical prowess and individual brilliance. In their semifinal matchup against Australia, Team USA displayed a balanced team effort, with four players scoring over 10 points. Breanna Stewart led the offense with 16 points and five assists, while Jackie Young added 14 points and five assists. Led by head coach Cheryl Reeve, Team USA remained in control throughout the match and never trailed. This performance highlights their depth and cohesion, making them a team to beat.
France: The Host Nation’s Hope
On the other hand, France made waves with their impressive run to the final. The French team's journey to the gold match was marked by resilience and determination. Their semi-final clash with Belgium was tight, characterized by fluctuating leads and high tension. In the end, France won, defeating Belgium 81-75 in an overtime thriller. This win not only secured them a place in the final but also proved their ability to play under pressure.
As the host country, France will be buoyed by the support of the home crowd. That enthusiastic support could be key and give the team an emotional boost as they look to secure their first Olympic gold medal in women's basketball. France's run to the final was a testament to their growth and development in the sport, and their performance at Paris 2024 captured the imagination of fans and critics alike.
Paris Olympics 2024: How to Watch the Summer Games on TV and Streaming
Date: 24 July - 11 August
TV Coverage: The Games will be broadcast across NBC, USA Network, E!, Telemundo, CNBC, and the Golf Channel.
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock and nbcolympics.com.
Stream the Olympics: Enjoy the Summer Olympics with a Peacock subscription.
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Key Players to Watch
With both teams boasting exceptional talent, several key players will be decisive in determining the outcome of the gold medal game. Breanna Stewart is a key figure for Team USA. Known for her scoring ability, versatility and leadership, Stewart will be central to the US team's strategy. Her ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes her a formidable opponent for any team.
In addition to Stewart, the likes of A'ja Wilson and Sue Bird will help Team USA. Wilson's presence in the paint and Bird's experience as a playmaker will be critical to executing the team's game plan and maintaining their lead throughout the game.
Key players for France include Marine Johannès and Sandrine Gruda. Johannès was a standout player for the French team, known for her sharp shooting and playmaking skills. Grud's experience and ability to score will be key as France look to challenge Team USA and make history on home soil.
The Tactical Battle
The gold medal match will be as much a tactical battle as it is a showcase of individual talent. Team USA is known for its high-octane, fast-paced style of play with an emphasis on transition offense and three-point shooting. Their ability to stretch the floor and create open shots will be a significant aspect of their game plan.
France, on the other hand, is likely to focus on its defensive strategy to counter an American attack. Controlling the tempo of the game and limiting the number of possessions will be crucial in their quest to keep the game close. Additionally, France's ability to exploit the mismatch and score effectively in the half will be crucial to their chances of securing an upset victory.
The Significance of the Gold Medal
For Team USA, a gold medal win would further cement their legacy as the most dominant team in women's basketball history. A win Sunday would mark their eighth straight gold medal, a testament to the continued excellence and depth of the program.
For France, winning gold on home soil would be a historic achievement that represents the pinnacle of their efforts and development in women's basketball. It would also be a moment of national pride, highlighting the growth of the sport in France and the success of their national team.
What to Expect in the Final
The women's basketball gold medal final at Paris 2024 will be a thrilling contest between two elite teams. The game is likely to feature a clash of contrasting styles with Team USA's fast-paced attack against France's disciplined defense. The key to victory for both teams will be their ability to effectively execute their game plans under the immense pressure of an Olympic final.
Staying calm and sticking to their strengths will be crucial for Team USA. If they can control the tempo of the game and get contributions from their rich roster, they will be a formidable opponent. It will be crucial for France to disrupt the US attack and take advantage of their opportunities. The support of the home crowd could provide the extra impetus needed to secure a historic victory.
A Moment to Remember
The women's basketball gold medal final at the Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be an unforgettable and historic event. With Team USA looking to continue their legacy of dominance and France looking to make history on home soil, an unforgettable showdown is in store. As the world watches, these two teams will deliver a game that encapsulates the spirit and excitement of Olympic competition, making this final the pinnacle of the Paris Games.