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The USA Women's Basketball team beat Australia 85-64 in the 2024 Olympic Games semi-final in Paris. The USA extended its win streak to 60 games, with the streak stretching back to 1992. The USA has now won eight straight gold medals, and will face the winner of France vs Belgium in the gold medal match. Australia will play the loser of that game for the bronze medal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 9th August 2024 |
| Winner | USA |
| Score | 85-64 |
| USA's win streak | 60 games |
| USA's next opponent | Winner of France vs Belgium |
| Australia's next opponent | Loser of France vs Belgium |
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What You'll Learn
USA's eighth straight gold medal
The USA Women's National Basketball Team has won its eighth straight Olympic gold medal, defeating France 67-66 in a thrilling final game. This victory cements the USA's dominance in women's basketball, with the team having won nine gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal since the sport's introduction at the Olympics in 1976. The only time the American women did not medal was in 1980 when the country boycotted the Moscow Games.
Led by head coach Cheryl Reeve, the USA women's team overcame a strong challenge from France, with the game coming down to the final seconds. American Kahleah Copper hit two free throws to put the USA up 67-64 with 3.9 seconds remaining. France's Gabby Williams attempted a last-second three-pointer that fell just inside the line, resulting in a two-point shot and a final score of 67-66.
The victory is especially significant for Diana Taurasi, who now holds six consecutive gold medals, becoming the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history. Taurasi, a longtime teammate of Sue Bird, did not play in the gold medal game but emphasized her humility and team-first mentality. The USA's victory over France adds to their impressive streak of 61 consecutive wins, with only two of those victories by single digits.
The USA's road to the gold medal game included a dominant performance against Australia in the semifinals, winning 85-64. The USA's strong defense and well-rounded offensive contributions from players like Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, and A'ja Wilson propelled them to victory and set the stage for their historic eighth straight gold medal.
With head coach Cheryl Reeve at the helm, the USA Women's National Team continues to showcase its unparalleled legacy in women's basketball, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
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USA's 60th consecutive Olympic win
The USA Women's Basketball team has achieved an impressive 60th consecutive Olympic win, defeating Australia by a score of 85-64 in the 2024 Olympic semifinal. This victory has secured Team USA a spot in the gold medal game, where they will compete for their eighth straight Olympic gold medal and tenth overall. The team has demonstrated dominance in women's basketball at the Olympics, with nine gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal since the sport was introduced in 1976.
The game against Australia showcased the strength and depth of the US team, with standout performances from several players. American star Breanna Stewart, who scored 16 points, along with six rebounds and five assists, played a crucial role in the win. Jackie Young also made her presence known, contributing 14 points, five assists, and two rebounds. A'ja Wilson added 10 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks to the team's success.
The US team's defensive strategies were key to their victory, holding the Opals to under 20 points in the first three quarters and limiting their shooting accuracy to just 36%. The Americans' ability to score in transition and their strong defensive performance contributed to their comfortable lead throughout the game.
Team USA's win over Australia continues their undefeated streak against the Opals in international meetings. This was the ninth Olympic encounter between the two teams, and the Americans have emerged victorious in all of them. The US women's basketball team has now won 60 straight Olympic contests, solidifying their position as the gold standard in international women's basketball.
With this 60th consecutive Olympic victory, Team USA advances to the gold medal game, where they will face France, who defeated Belgium in the semifinals. The US team will be aiming to make history by capturing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's basketball. The gold medal contest is scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Paris time (9:30 a.m. EDT).
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Australia's medal prospects
Australia has a rich history in basketball, with a long line of talented players and a strong showing in international competitions. The country has consistently punched above its weight, sending a high number of players to the NBA and achieving impressive results in Olympic tournaments.
The Australian men's national basketball team, known as the Boomers, has participated in 15 Olympic Games and 13 FIBA World Cups. While they have yet to win a medal at the World Cup, the Boomers took home the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first team from outside the Americas and Europe to medal in men's basketball. This was a significant achievement, as Australia had come close to medalling in previous Olympics but fell short.
The Boomers have shown steady improvement over the years, with notable performances by players like Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, and Andrew Bogut. They finished fourth at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, sixth in 1998 in Greece, and ninth in 2004 in Athens. The team also won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, showcasing their talent and potential.
The Australian women's national basketball team, known as the Opals, has also had its share of success. Led by Lauren Jackson, the Opals reached the Olympic medal stand four times between 2000 and 2008. They consistently faced off against the dominant US team, who have won nine gold medals since the sport's Olympic debut in 1976. While Australia fell to the US in the 2024 Olympic semifinal, they still have a chance to compete for the bronze medal.
Looking at individual players, Australia has produced several standouts in the NBA. Patty Mills, widely regarded as Australia's best NBA player, led the Boomers to their bronze medal in 2021 with a 42-point performance. Other notable players include Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, Johnny Furphy, and Joe Ingles, all of whom have made their mark in the league.
In summary, Australia has consistently demonstrated its medal prospects in basketball, with strong showings from both the men's and women's teams and individual players making an impact in the NBA. While the competition is fierce, particularly from the dominant US teams, Australia continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the international basketball stage.
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USA's dominant defence
The USA's victory over Australia in the 2024 Olympic semifinal women's basketball game was propelled by their dominant defence. The USA's strong defensive effort, coupled with their depth, allowed them to pull ahead and secure a comfortable lead.
The USA's defence held Australia to only 27 points in the first half, with the Americans leading 45-27 at halftime. The USA's defence continued its strong performance in the second half, limiting Australia's scoring opportunities and preventing a comeback. The USA's defence was highlighted by 10 steals and five blocked shots, which led to 19 points off turnovers. The Americans' depth was also a crucial factor, as they were able to maintain their high level of defensive intensity throughout the game.
Breanna Stewart, a key player for the USA, contributed significantly on both ends of the court. She led the team in scoring with 16 points and also had six rebounds and five assists. Stewart's all-around performance showcased her versatility and impact on both offence and defence.
Another standout performer for the USA was Jackie Young, who set the tone early with 10 points in the first quarter. Young finished the game with 14 points and five assists, providing a strong offensive presence to complement the team's solid defence.
The USA's defence smothered the Australian offence, holding them to only 64 points for the game. This defensive performance propelled the USA to their 60th consecutive Olympic victory and a spot in the gold medal game. The USA has now won eight straight gold medals and is seeking their tenth overall in women's basketball.
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USA's Olympic basketball history
The United States has a rich history of success in Olympic basketball, with both the men's and women's teams consistently performing well.
The sport was invented by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891, and its popularity quickly spread across the United States and overseas. Basketball was introduced at the Summer Olympics as a demonstration event in 1904 and 1924, and it became an official medal sport for men in 1936. Women's basketball made its Olympic debut in 1976.
The US men's basketball team, also known as Team USA, is the most successful men's team in international competition. They have won medals in all twenty Olympic tournaments they have entered, including seventeen golds. The team has been dominant for decades, winning their first seven Olympic tournaments without losing a single game. Their first loss came in 1972 against the Soviet Union in a highly controversial game. The US men's team reclaimed the gold in 1976 and has continued to excel, winning gold as recently as 2020 and 2024. The 1992 "Dream Team" was particularly notable, featuring 14 Hall of Famers and being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The US women's basketball team has been equally impressive, winning ten gold medals since their sport's introduction to the Olympics. They have medalled in all but one of their Olympic appearances, boycotting the 1980 Games in Moscow. The team has an impressive winning streak, with their 2024 victory over Australia marking their 60th consecutive win in Olympic competition.
The rivalry between the US and Australian women's teams is well-known, with the two countries facing off in the Olympics seven times since 1996. The US has been victorious in all of their meetings, with the exception of 2016 when they did not play each other.
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Frequently asked questions
Team USA won the game with a final score of 85-64.
The outcome of the gold medal game is not yet known. Team USA will play against the winner of France and Belgium, while Australia will play against the loser of that match for the bronze medal.
The USA women's basketball team has won nine Olympic gold medals.
The Australian women's basketball team has not won any Olympic gold medals. They have, however, won silver and bronze medals.
