US Women’s National Basketball Team Advances to Semifinals
PARIS — In a tense match against Nigeria, the U.S. women’s national basketball team showcased their resilience. Despite a lackluster performance in the first half, where they struggled to find their rhythm, they managed to secure a commanding lead, ending the half with a 19-point advantage. Ultimately, they triumphed over Nigeria with a final score of 88-74, marking their 59th consecutive Olympic victory. This win propels them into the semifinals, where they are set to face Australia on Friday.
With this victory, the U.S. women’s team boasts an impressive record of 76-3 in Olympic history, a journey that began in 1976 when women’s basketball was introduced to the Olympics. The last time they faced defeat in an Olympic game was on August 5, 1992, a fact I recall vividly as I covered that historic match in Badalona, Spain.
The 1992 Summer Games were a pivotal moment for the U.S. women’s team, often overshadowed by the legendary NBA “Dream Team.” However, the expectations for the women’s squad to clinch gold were equally high. In their pool games in Barcelona, they dominated their opponents, winning by an average margin of 45.3 points. With future Hall of Famers like Teresa Edwards, Teresa Weatherspoon, Katrina McClain, and Cynthia Cooper, along with their esteemed coach Theresa Grentz, the team was poised for success. Yet, they faced a shocking semifinal loss to the Unified Team (comprising former Soviet Union states) with a score of 79-73, leaving the players and fans in disbelief.
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This year, the U.S. women’s team stands just two victories away from securing an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, a streak that began with the “Dream On” team in Atlanta in 1996. Additionally, their dominance extends to World Cup play, where they have not lost a game since 2006, amassing 30 consecutive Cup victories and four straight championships. Overall, the women’s team has now won an astounding 80 consecutive games in official FIBA competitions, with a total record of 174-3 across Olympic, World Cup, and junior national programs under USA Basketball.
Kevin Durant remarked, “Most dominant team of all time, I feel like, in any sport.” He emphasized the presence of legendary athletes like Diana Taurasi, who is on track to become a six-time gold medalist. Durant continued, “It’s just setting the standard for what USA Basketball represents on the women’s side — not just for women but overall. I’m looking forward to cheering them on.” The stands were filled with sports icons like LeBron James, Katie Ledecky, Michael Phelps, Dirk Nowitzki, and Devin Booker, all witnessing the dynasty in action.
Interestingly, discussions surrounding the team often focus on the players who were not selected rather than those who are. There are valid arguments regarding the selection committee at USA Basketball potentially overlooking deserving candidates, with notable omissions this year including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Arike Ogunbowale. This trend mirrors past selections, such as Nneka Ogwumike in 2020 and Candace Parker in 2016, raising questions about the criteria used.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the exceptional talent that has been chosen over the decades, as well as the current roster for this year’s team. Each player on the 2024 squad has earned at least one Olympic or World Cup gold medal. Stars like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart have each received multiple WNBA Most Valuable Player awards, while the Las Vegas Aces — including Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray — aim for a WNBA three-peat.
Despite her significant accolades, Plum has accepted her role coming off the bench without complaint. “It’s the gold standard, and really, that’s it,” Stewart commented. “We expect to go and win gold. We understand the importance of every step leading to that goal, ensuring we prepare both mentally and physically.” Diana Taurasi, eyeing her sixth consecutive Olympic gold, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to focus on the present rather than past achievements.
While there have been longer winning streaks in Olympic history — such as the U.S. men’s pole vault team, which captured 16 consecutive golds from 1896 to 1968, and the U.S. men’s swimming team with 15 straight golds in the 4×100 medley — the U.S. women’s streak remains remarkable. South Korea’s women’s archery team boasts a 36-year gold medal streak, dating back to the 1988 Games in Seoul.
Regardless of the longevity of their streak, the U.S. women’s team continues to impress. However, the weight of their predecessors can sometimes feel burdensome. Coach Cheryl Reeve noted, “They don’t dwell on the history as much as we discuss it. Their focus is on this journey and their mission to secure a gold medal.”
What the U.S. women have collectively accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary. Across different eras, from Tara VanDerveer (1996) to Dawn Staley (2021), the team has maintained an impeccable standard of performance. Key players, including Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Diana Taurasi, have paved the way for future stars like Stewart and Wilson, creating a legacy of continuous success.
Wilson reflected on the significance of representing the U.S. at the Olympics, stating, “My first game in Tokyo, even without fans, I felt the weight of the moment. Not everyone may follow WNBA games, but when we wear those three letters on our chest, it’s a big deal.” She recognizes the privilege of competing at this level and appreciates the sacrifices made by many who aspire to be in her position.
While the streak will inevitably end someday, the global landscape of women’s basketball is evolving. Teams are becoming increasingly competitive, as evidenced by Nigeria’s historic quarterfinal appearance, the rise of nations like Japan, and the wealth of international talent in the WNBA. Australia, with its deep basketball history and current roster featuring players like Sami Whitcomb and Ezi Magbegor, stands as a formidable opponent.
With the WNBA expanding to accommodate its growing popularity, more international players will join the league, enriching their national teams and contributing to the ongoing development of basketball worldwide. In this context, the presence of a veteran like Taurasi is invaluable. With her extensive experience, she serves as a guiding force, instilling a culture of excellence within the team.
As Taurasi stated, “We know history is not going to win anything for you. It’s about showing up and playing hard.” She understands that despite their past successes, the focus must remain on the present challenges posed by teams like Nigeria and Australia. “The competition is tough. We’ve been together for just two and a half weeks trying to build cohesion.”
This mentality of unity and selflessness is what has sustained the U.S. women’s team throughout their history of success. They are acutely aware that their journey is far from over, and as they strive for yet another gold medal, their focus remains on what lies ahead.
GO DEEPER: Why Caitlin Clark’s Olympics omission might be a blessing in disguise for her rookie season.
(Top photo of the U.S. women’s basketball team during Wednesday’s game against Nigeria: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
