Angel Reese was among the many fans who couldn’t contain their excitement as Team USA women’s basketball secured a thrilling gold medal win over France. The narrow 67-66 victory marked a historic moment for Team USA, who clinched their eighth consecutive Olympic gold, further solidifying their dominance on the world stage.
Reese, a rookie for the Chicago Sky, was glued to the action just like the rest of us, and her reaction quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter) as she celebrated the monumental achievement.
🥇A WIN IS A WIN. CONGRATS LADIES!!! @usabasketball
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) August 11, 2024
The victory was more than just another win for Team USA; it set a new record for the longest consecutive gold medal streak in Olympic basketball history. For context, the U.S. men’s basketball team won seven straight golds from 1936 to 1968, making the women’s achievement even more remarkable.
The game against France was a nail-biter from start to finish. Team USA edged out the win by the slimmest of margins, thanks in part to a controversial moment in the final seconds. French player Gabby Williams hit what appeared to be a game-tying three-pointer, but it was ruled a two-pointer after review, as her foot was just inches inside the line. This decision prevented the game from going into overtime, and Team USA held on to their one-point lead.
The physicality of the game was evident throughout, leading to a low-scoring contest where both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm. By halftime, the score was tied at 25-25, reflecting the intense defensive battle. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the game opened up, with both teams combining for 45 points in a high-stakes finish.
A’ja Wilson, despite a slow start, delivered when it mattered most, finishing with an impressive double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds. Key contributions from Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper off the bench also proved crucial, with both players adding 12 points each to the effort.
The win was especially significant for veteran Diana Taurasi, who set a record by earning her sixth Olympic gold medal—the most ever won by an athlete in a team sport. Team USA’s triumph not only etched their names in the history books but also served as an inspiring display of resilience and determination.
