France to Battle Team USA for Gold with Four Former Huskies in Action
Sunday, August 11, as the 2024 Paris Olympics draw to a close, the USA women’s basketball team, aiming to become the first to win eight consecutive gold medals, will face France in the final, who are still seeking their first women’s basketball gold medal. This highly anticipated matchup will feature four former Huskies: Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier for Team USA, and Gabby Williams for France.
Throughout the tournament, Team USA has been nothing short of dominant. Their performances have showcased their talent and highlighted the exceptional chemistry that exists between the group. Breanna Stewart has been instrumental, averaging 18 points, 3.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, while boasting an impressive efficiency rating of 23.2.
In contrast, Taurasi and Collier have had different roles from Stewart during the tournament. Napheesa Collier, who’s recently coming off an injury, has yet to fully regain her form. Throughout the tournament, she averaging 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, maintaining an efficiency rating of 10.6. Diana Taurasi, a seasoned veteran of the squad, looking to win her sixth Olympic gold medal and appearing in her sixth Olympic tournament, has seen fewer minutes this time around only averaging 11.2 minutes per game. Nevertheless, her experience and leadership continue to be valuable assets to the team’s success.
On the other side, France has reached the Olympic gold medal game for the first time since their defeat to the U.S. in 2012. Leading the charge is Gabby Williams, who has been exceptional and clearly the driving force for France throughout the tournament. The former UConn standout has excelled in nearly every facet of the game, leading Les Bleus in points per game (14.8), assists per game (5.4), and efficiency rating (18.6), while also ranking second in rebounds per game (4.2).
Team USA’s quest for an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal along with their track record, makes them the clear favorite to win this tournament. However, France, fueled by the desire to win their first women’s basketball Olympic gold medal and led by a dynamic player like Gabby Williams is sure to be a prominent challenge for the U.S. as the two teams battle it out in Paris.
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