Team USA Clinches Gold in Thrilling Finish at Paris Olympics
- A'ja Wilson expressed her admiration for teammate Kahleah Copper following Team USA's gold medal win.
- She gave a bold two-word answer to describe Copper when asked after the victory.
- This moment highlights the camaraderie and support among the Team USA women's basketball players.
In a nail-biting conclusion to the women’s basketball event at the Paris Olympics, Team USA secured a narrow 67-66 victory over France, with standout performances from A’ja Wilson and Kahleah Copper. Wilson led the team with 21 points and 13 rebounds, but it was Copper’s crucial contributions off the bench that garnered significant attention. With just five seconds remaining, Copper executed a pivotal drive for a two-point basket and calmly sank two free throws, solidifying the win. Copper’s performance was particularly noteworthy as she demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Her late-game free throws transformed a tight contest into a three-point lead, effectively preventing France from seizing the opportunity to tie or win the game with a last-second shot. Wilson, reflecting on Copper’s impact, expressed her admiration, highlighting the importance of Copper’s clutch plays in securing the victory. This gold medal marks a significant milestone for Copper, as it is her first Olympic medal, adding to her previous success at the 2022 World Cup in Australia. Currently a player for the Phoenix Mercury, Copper’s contributions have been instrumental in Team USA’s continued dominance in women’s basketball, extending their Olympic winning streak to 61 games. Diana Taurasi, another key player on the team, further enhanced her legacy by earning her sixth Olympic gold medal. Having been part of the national team since 2004, Taurasi’s experience and skill continue to be invaluable assets for Team USA.