The United States continued to find its game in their rout of Australia in their semifinal match. This was their best showing at the Olympics and was their 60th consecutive Olympic win. From the start, the U.S. took advantage of a seemingly disorganized Australian team. They forced six of their thirteen turnovers in the first quarter alone. Although the U.S. only led by four after the first quarter, the gap was already beginning to widen.
The U.S. held Australia scoreless until the 5:53 mark of the second quarter when Sami Whitcomb scored a two-point shot, by which time the U.S. lead had ballooned to 14 points. The U.S. outscored the Opals 25-11 and led 45-27 going into halftime. In the third quarter, the U.S. dominated and it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Australia showed some life, but by that time the game was well out of reach.
Australia is not without standout players, but in this game, reliable shooters like Whitcomb, Steph Talbot, Jade Melbourne, Alanna Smith, and Ezi Magbegor were all held to single digits, with only Tess Madgen and Marianna Tolo reaching double with 10 points each.
A Team Effort for the United States Against Australia
The standouts for the U.S., A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, scored 10 and 16 points respectively. Jackie Young scored 14 and Kahleah Copper 11. Except for Diana Taurasi, every U.S. player scored, as did every Australian player except for legendary Lauren Jackson.
The defense from the U.S. shined in this game. This is what coach Cheryl Reeve has been working toward, and the U.S. delivered. Everyone played their part, and the machine was looking rather well-oiled. Much has been made of the fact that the U.S. team had very little time to work together before the games, but these are seasoned veterans who know how to adapt to new roles.
The Greatest Dynasty Ever. 👑#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/AirX0gNDPk
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 9, 2024
It doesn’t happen overnight, but this was an excellent example of how it all can come together. Most impressive was how the U.S. maintained a high level of energy throughout the game, even in the fourth quarter when Australia had found a little juice and ended up taking the quarter. Being held to 64 points was a bitter pill for Australia to swallow, and much will need to be done before they face Belgium in the bronze medal round.
United States Vs. France for Gold in Paris Olympics
The U.S., on the other hand, will have to find a way to carry the momentum of this game going into their gold medal game against France, who came back to beat Belgium in overtime 81- 75. France, like the U.S., relies upon a strong defense. France has their own arsenal of shooters and was led by Gabby Williams, Iliana Rupert, Valeriane Ayayi, and Janelle Salaun.
Against Belgium, France forced 22 turnovers, so the U.S. is going to need to lock down their ball handling and bring the same starting power they had against Australia. These are two relentless teams, and whether or not the French crowd will play a part in the outcome remains to be seen.
However, every U.S. player has faced hostile crowds before, and collectively have the stamina to endure it. Since the beginning of the games, they have become a more focused and determined team, and this matchup should prove to be one of the best.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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