USA Women's Basketball Wins Gold, But Close Finish Against France Raises Concerns

The USA Women's Basketball team secured their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games with a narrow 67-66 victory over France. However, the close nature of the game has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the team's strategy and coaching decisions.

The final, held at the Accor Arena in Paris, was a tense and hard-fought battle. France, led by their star player Marine Johannès, pushed the American team to their limits, keeping the game close until the very end. Despite entering the match as heavy favorites, Team USA struggled to create a comfortable lead, resulting in a game that was far more competitive than many had anticipated.

Kahleah Copper played a pivotal role in securing the victory for Team USA. Copper finished the game with 12 points, shooting 3-of-8 from the field, and added five rebounds in just over 22 minutes of play. Her contributions were particularly critical in the final quarter, where she scored 10 of her 12 points, helping to maintain the USA's slim lead and ultimately clinch the gold medal.

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Despite Copper's standout performance, Head Coach Cheryl Reeve faced criticism for her game management. Many fans and commentators questioned her decision to frequently rotate players during crucial moments, rather than relying on a consistent lineup. This approach, they argue, allowed France to stay within striking distance and nearly upset the Americans.

While the victory adds another gold medal to the USA's impressive Olympic record, the narrow win has raised concerns about the team's performance under pressure. With a roster brimming with talent, many expected a more decisive victory, leading to questions about the coaching strategies employed during the game.

As Team USA looks ahead to future competitions, addressing these strategic issues will be essential to maintaining their dominance on the international stage.