The USABWNT continued its historic run as they triumphed over the hosts France in a thrilling final! While the Americans claimed their record-breaking eighth consecutive gold medal, it was a completely nerve-cracking game that was decided by just a single point (67-66). Well, it could have been even more beautiful if their veteran, Diana Taurasi, had got some minutes on the court, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen.

The 42-year-old star guard wasn’t named in the starting line-up for the third consecutive game. Additionally, she didn’t even come off the bench to contribute to what probably was her farewell game. Nevertheless, she was involved throughout from the sidelines and that truly reflects her passion and love for the game and country. However, her absence in the big game gave rise to speculations that she might be carrying an injury.

There aren’t any reports to confirm this, though. But we can’t forget how an injury scare sidelined her for three games. It was a lower left leg ailment issue and took place just a month before the Olympics started.

While it’s also true that she didn’t have an impressive Olympic with just one point per game, Indiana Fever beat writer Scott Agness must have expected her to start against France, as he believes her experience was vital for such a big competitive game.

It can’t be denied that Taurasi’s experience is unparalleled, as she proudly holds the record for the most Olympic titles in US basketball history. Since 2004, she’s secured consecutive gold medals with Team USA, cementing her legendary status, and even in Paris, she did play her role when needed.

Taurasi was making it to the starting five throughout the group stage. However, Jackie Young’s brilliant performances from the bench earned her that guard spot in the knock-out games for the US. Well, that doesn’t mean Taurasi didn’t make contributions in the playoffs against Nigeria.

The Phoenix Mercury guard scored three points and was involved in playmaking with four assists in her name. Throughout the event, Taurasi clocked 11 minutes per game and averaged 1 point and 1.4 assists. It doesn’t matter whether she played in the final because the player has now gotten her sixth Olympic gold being a part of Team USA.

However, it was a hard-fought victory as France gave a tough fight despite fumbling in the final minutes.

France lost in the final minutes but surprised everyone with a brilliant performance!

The French players already made their intentions clear as they displayed a very physical game from the start. What made it difficult for Team USA was a solid defense from France, which forced them to 12 turnovers with 5 minutes left in the second quarter. The game was leveled by half-time with the score line of 25-25. And then in the third quarter, France even led the game by a margin of 10 points for a while with some extraordinary efforts, which included Marine Fauthoux’s splendid three-pointer which even impressed Victor Wembenyama in the stands.

However, Team USA finished with a two-point lead with the last quarter left to be played. The final quarter was straight out of a suspense cinema, as both the teams had led alternatively. The sloppy play in the final minutes from France gave free throws to their opponents. France committed 25 fouls, and those given opportunities were well capitalized on by the Americans to regain a comfortable lead, with a couple of minutes left on the clock.

But the French star Gabby Williams’ spirit was well commendable as her two-point throw in the final reduced the deficit by a single point. If only she had made that throw from a step behind, France would have leveled the Americans. The loss is a tough one to digest for the host nation, especially because William’s final attempt could have changed the ending if it was a three-pointer. But Diana Taurasi and Team USA have etched their name in history with that victory and must be all smiles when they return to America.

UPDATE: “These games are tough … Everyone always thinks it’s going to be easy to win gold medals. But a game in France against a French team — they play physical, they play hard, play for their country. It was a tough win … I just told the team before the tournament, history doesn’t earn you another one. You’ve got to go and earn it,” Taurasi shared after the game.

The player does not plan to feature in another Olympics, even though the 2028 Games will be in the US. “I know, LA, I’ll be there with a beer on the beach,” she said.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.