U.S. Women’s Basketball Advances to Gold Medal Game, Extending Olympic Win Streak to 60

The U.S. women’s basketball team continued their Olympic dominance, defeating Australia 85-64 in the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 9. This victory extended their remarkable Olympic winning streak to 60 games, a run that dates back to the 1992 Barcelona Games.Breanna Stewart emerged as the standout performer, leading the team with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. A’ja Wilson also made significant contributions with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jackie Young, who started in place of veteran Diana Taurasi, added 14 points and 5 assists.The U.S. team’s superior size and strength in the paint proved to be the decisive factor, as they outrebounded Australia 46-33. Despite Australia’s efforts, the Americans maintained control throughout the game, at one point leading by as much as 30 points.Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve praised the team’s performance, particularly highlighting their unselfish play and depth. As Stewart noted, ‘I think we just continue to play unselfish basketball, making sure we are moving the ball and finding the best shot’.The victory sets up a gold medal match on Sunday, August 11, at 9:30 a.m. ET, where the U.S. will face either France or Belgium. If victorious, the U.S. team will secure an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, breaking the tie with the U.S. men’s basketball team that won seven gold medals from 1936 to 1968.As the U.S. team pursues this historic achievement, they remain the clear favorites. However, they may face a hostile crowd in Lille, where the final will be played. Regardless, with their major lineup issues sorted and their defensive intensity at its peak, Team USA appears to be in prime form as they prepare for their final challenge in these Olympics.

Key points

• U.

S.

women’s basketball team defeated Australia 85-64 in the Olympic semifinals.

• The victory extended their Olympic winning streak to 60 games, dating back to 1992.
• Team USA will face either France or Belgium in the gold medal game on Sunday, aiming for their eighth consecutive Olympic gold.