Team USA has not been able to feel like themselves today. However, more than their own reasons, it was France’s passionate defense that kept them off their usual ways. While France only bagged nine points in the first quarter, they had some great defense to keep the USA at just 15 points as well. Interestingly, the pattern continued but Team USA ultimately found the gold by getting the better of the hosting nation. Still, the aggressive game did not keep the fans from sweating back in the USA.

For the first time in this outing, Breanna Stewart stayed in single-digit scores with 8 points in her gauntlet. Jackie Young had to leave the floor with just 2.34 minutes left in the game because of five personal fouls. As for A’ja Wilson, she too had some tough luck in the game. She still turned up with 21 points in the gold medal matchup.

While Team USA was ahead more often than not in the game that saw 11 ties, France had some tricks up their sleeves. One of them was Gabby Williams. The stellar player did everything that a player in the final matchup could possibly do. In fact, her final buzzer-beater shot was just centimeters away from forcing the game into overtime. She ended her Olympic run with a team-high of 19 points. She also had 7 rebounds. Overall, France did give A’ja Wilson and Co. a run for their money.

France tackled the USA in rebounds and assists. And they stole the balls 10 times, one more than Team USA, showing their will to win the game. And that was exactly what got the better of the American basketball fans.

Team USA breaking under France’s defense gives fans a scare

This outing for the USA would be the first when the team could not dominate their opponents. From the fact that the entire crowd in the Bercy Arena was against them to the fact that the competitors knew the weaknesses of the backcourt, everything boosted France’s confidence. Hence, looking at how the hosts are not letting Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and other USA superstars play freely, one fan mentioned how they are there for wrestling. Observing just the first quarter, we can ascertain that it must be true as their shots made were fewer than their defensive numbers combined.

“France not even playing ball they tryna wrestle our girls😒 #USABWNT”

Some fans even suggested Team USA learn a thing or two from the French defense. And they were not shying away from giving Gabby Williams and Co. their flowers for immaculate defensive schemes. However, one fan also mentioned how they may be keeping Team USA bound, for now, it will not stay like this for too long. Alas, it did last the entire game, but the visitors still slipped away with a win.

“lol france defense is here i gotta give it to them.”

“This France defense got my girls in hell but not for long!!”

Some fans, who were seemingly frustrated with how the game was tilting towards France time and again, even had their doubts. They suggested that Team USA should play defense like France is playing. Instead of that, Team USA did pick up their pace by the end of the game for better looks.

“Idk if it’s a heart thing or a talent thing but how the hell can’t yall play defense they way France is!”

One fan even said that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese would have helped the team out in this kind of situation. Of course, no conversation concerning the Olympics or women’s basketball goes without mentioning two of the most popular rookies in the history of the WNBA. Surely, Caitlin Clark would have been a great addition to the team’s backcourt as that was the weakest link. At the same time, Angel Reese’s relentlessness would have also given the team a better point differential.

While Team USA may have won this one, they did give their fans a game they will remember. However, will this be a lesson? Only time will tell. For now, we have a huge reason to throw parties and celebrate the tenth Olympic gold medal from the women’s basketball team. Soon, we will have the WNBA season where we can catch our superstars in action again.

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