Sabrina Ionescu Celebrates Olympic Gold with Kobe Bryant's Family

Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty All-Star, shared an emotional moment with Vanessa Bryant and her daughters after Team USA clinched the gold medal in women’s basketball at the 2024 Olympics. The team secured a narrow 67-66 victory over France, who had led by double digits during the game. This win marked Team USA's eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, a streak that began in 1996, just before the WNBA was established. Throughout the Olympics, the Bryant family was a constant presence, supporting Team USA as they pursued gold. Ionescu, who had developed a close friendship with Kobe Bryant before his tragic death in January 2020, embraced the family courtside after the game. Although Ionescu's playing time was limited during the tournament, she made a significant impact when on the court, particularly in the crucial moments of the final match. In the tournament, the 26-year-old guard participated in all six games, averaging 13.2 minutes and contributing 5.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 40% from three-point range. Additionally, she averaged 3.3 assists per game, ranking third on the team despite having the tenth most minutes played. This gold medal represents Ionescu's first Olympic victory, adding to her impressive resume that includes multiple championships with Team USA at various levels. As the WNBA prepares to resume its season on Thursday following the Olympic break, Ionescu's performance and the team's success highlight the ongoing legacy of American women's basketball on the international stage.