I missed church early Sunday morning to watch live the gold medal game between USA and France on the final day of the Paris Olympics.
The 67-66 victory by the American women was a classic back-and-forth contest that featured six lead changes and 11 ties, including one at halftime. France’s Gabby Williams’ banked shot at the buzzer, if not for her foot on the line, would have been a game-tying basket instead of the host team falling by a point.
A’ja Wilson led all scorers with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. But Kahleah Copper’s fourth-quarter performance on both ends of the court can’t be understated or overlooked—she made a key stop and followed it with a big girl’s driving layup with almost a minute remaining in the contest that briefly gave the USA a breathing three-point cushion.
Wilson offered a two-word assessment afterward on Copper’s Sunday morning in France. Because we are a family newspaper, we won’t repeat it, but it was appropriate for the moment.
“A’ja just provided a sound bite for the ages,” tweeted Rob Knox.
Also, Williams’ overall play, including her tough shot at the buzzer, can’t be overlooked. She was simply marvelous in trying to win the gold for her country.
“France played a HELLUVA game,” tweeted Jemele Hill.
Terrika Foster Brasby added, “Gabby is a BEAST.”
Unfortunately, the winners hadn’t gotten their gold medals before speculation was released on who will be on the 2028 USA women’s basketball team. Social media pundits and so-called hoop experts loudly questioned why veterans Jewell Loyd and Diana Taurasi didn’t play a single minute of Sunday’s game. Why weren’t Brittney Griner and Chelsea Gray on the floor in the closing minutes when the game’s outcome hung in the balance?
Good questions, perhaps, but can’t we just let the winners celebrate their win. Can’t we just take a social media breath before bringing out the criticism brickbats?
Instead, let’s praise USA Assistant Coach Kara Lawson’s scouting report on the French team, as Head Coach Cheryl Reeve did afterward. Reeve also praised her entire coaching staff, which included Joni Taylor. “All are head coaches,” noted the first-time USA head coach.
Instead, let’s recognize that the U.S. women are now 61-0 in Olympic competition, with eight straight gold medals.
Instead, let’s lay off the what if’s for another day, days, months, or even years.
Instead, let’s call a spade a spade: a classic game, a defensive slugfest, a back-and-forth contest that went down to the final buzzer.