The Australian Opals have never defeated Team USA at the Olympics. Today, on August 9th, the saga continued as the latter extended their winning streak to 6 and secured its eighth consecutive spot in the finals. This also places them on the way to break the record for the most consecutive gold. But despite all the strength showcased and admired, the team isn’t without its room for improvement A’ja Wilson admits.

A collective effort by the whole team, with Breanna Stewart leading 16 points, USA bested the Opals 85-64. A’ja Wilson rightly credits where credit is due, saying, “I think we’re moving the ball really, really well. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a team that can move the ball like this,” after 27 of their first 28 baskets came off assists. However, she also unveiled Team USA’s major challenge—a quest for “great shots.”

“We’re always looking for good [shot] to great [shot]. We preach it, but sometimes we don’t always uphold it on some teams,” she said via ESPN. Nonetheless, she sees the willingness as a better factor, expressing its a good team to be on. “But I feel like this team, we’re trying to find the best shot on the floor, and I don’t think I’ve ever been on a team that’s like that,” she adds.

While the in-game inconsistencies have been visible for the team previously, they fared rather well in the semi-finals.

USA recorded a total of 68 field attempts to basket 34 and 7 of 17 from beyond the arc against the Opals. Their free throws, however, excelled with 90.9%, going 10 of 11 attempts. The major contributors herein? The top scorers for the evening – Stewart and Jackie Young. The former landed 6 from the field, 1 from beyond the arc, and 3 free throws. Young, for her 14 points, made 6 of her 8 field goals and 2 of the free throws.

Further, A’ja Wilson and Kahleah Copper did their part in keeping the team’s lead throughout the whole game. All this led to, is an increased weight of expectations on Team USA’s shoulders.

Team USA on a quest for record against inconsistency

By crushing Australia at Bercy Arena, Team USA secured their 60th consecutive Olympic victory. “And so I’m super proud of us, the evolution that we’ve made as a team, and I’m excited that we’ve got the last stand, if you will, in this campaign to see if we can get another gold medal,” added coach Cheryl Reeve.

In the 1992 Olympic finals, the USA only lost to the Unified Team (formerly the Soviet Union). It’s been unbeaten ever since. A win in the 2024 Paris Olympics Finals will help them leave behind US men’s program which stands with 7 consecutive wins from 1936-68.

However, the next game won’t be an easy sail, especially when they’re facing the host nation, France.

The French team is coming off a 15-point comeback win (81-75) against the Belgian squad. This is the first time since the 2012 London Olympics that they have made it to the finals. The last time they did, they returned with a silver as Team USA handed them a bittersweet loss.

The French crowd won’t make it easy for USA either as they take on the hosts on the 10th of August. But the Americans, with 8 WNBA champions on the roster, 4 of the same team in the league, and a scoring majority led by assists, seem prepared for whatever comes between them and their Olympic gold this year.

Will Team USA stand atop the podium with gold medals around their necks after a 3×3’s bronze return? Stay tuned to find out!

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.