Breaking Down the Greatness of the USA Women’s Basketball Team

On June 11, 2024, the USA Basketball organization announced twelve athletes who would represent the Stars and Stripes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team consisted of Olympic veterans by the likes of Jewell Loyd (#4), Chelsea Gray (#8), A’ja Wilson (#9), Breanna Stewart (#10), Napheesa Collier (#11), Diana Taurasi (#12), and Brittney Griner (#15). Accompanying them were four new faces to the 5x5 Olympic territory: Kelsey Plum (#5), Sabrina Ionescu (#6), Kahleah Copper (#7), Jackie Young (#13), and Alyssa Thomas (#14). Despite being competitors in the WNBA, each player on the 2024 USA Women’s Basketball Team contributed to the group’s success.

It is safe to say that this perfectly curated team can be described as an assembly of extraordinary players. Every person on the roster had a defining moment that led to a victory for Team USA. Diana Taurasi, also known as the “White Mamba,” had the most Olympic and WNBA experience amidst all the players heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics. This summer, Taurasi achieved a remarkable feat by winning her 6th Olympic gold medal, making her the first basketball player in history to participate in six Olympics. Her expertise and extensive knowledge of the game were apparent in every aspect of her performance, whether it was on the court or off it. Her vast experience played a pivotal role in bringing the USA Women’s Basketball Team together by fostering a winning mentality among players.

Jackie Young, even though the youngest on the team, proved to be an essential member of Team USA. Accumulating 57 points, 26 rebounds, 14 assists, and nine steals across the board, Young has most definitely cemented her name into the history books. She can now call herself a 3x3 and 5x5 gold medalist. However, she is not alone. Throughout her career, Kelsey Plum has garnered outstanding recognition for her exceptional ability to understand and execute her role on any team. Plum, who also won a gold medal in 3x3, showcased her dynamic energy and defying offense during her second Olympic appearance. Plum’s flawless record of 11 out of 11 free throws, along with 19 assists and 39 points, has put her in the spotlight as a top performer for Team USA. Her impressive performance will surely motivate her to bring her A-game back to the WNBA.

Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu are essential when discussing the WNBA’s top players. These two athletes, part of the New York Liberty team, made a significant impact in Paris. They combined for a total of 131 points, 43 rebounds, and 37 assists, displaying their strong connection throughout the game. Whether it was the start, middle, or end, both Stewart and Ionescu were able to make valuable contributions. The New York Liberty finished as runners-up to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Championship game of the last season. One can only speculate about the impact the team’s performance during the Olympic break will have on their momentum moving into the second half of the 2024-2025 WNBA season. Speaking of Las Vegas, Aces Guard Chelsea Gray brought her talent to the world stage once again. This time, Gray made history as the first Duke women’s basketball player to secure a second Olympic gold medal. Renowned for her distribution, Gray took the same energy to Paris. By leading Team USA in assists with a total of 31, Gray truly embodied her moniker as the “Point Gawd.”

The Connecticut Sun was represented at the 2024 Paris Olympics by forward Alyssa Thomas. Initially missing out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Thomas finally fulfilled her dream of competing at the Olympics this summer. With 11 years of experience in the WNBA, she easily adjusted to international competition. Thomas left Paris with 29 rebounds, 21, and 23 points, proving any critics wrong. Kahleah Copper joined Thomas in making her Olympic debut and showcased her skills with 17 rebounds and 41 points. She made crucial free throws in the final moments of the game against France, helping Team USA clinch the top spot on the podium. Copper received well-deserved recognition from her teammates, the media, and fans of women’s basketball around the world.

The forward and guard duo of Napheesa Collier from the Minnesota Lynx and Jewell Loyd from the Seattle Storm also made their mark in Paris. It is no secret that the University of Connecticut has produced some of the most decorated WNBA players in history, with Collier being one of them. As one of the three former UConn players on Team USA, she shined in defense and offense during the games. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the two-time Olympian grabbed 39 rebounds and scored 40 points. While competing in Paris, Collier was accompanied by Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeves, who was named as the head coach for the 2024 USA Women’s Basketball Team. Even though she did not participate in the final match against France, Jewell Loyd played in the five games leading up to it. She managed to achieve a perfect free throw percentage and also contributed 11 rebounds and eight assists. Additionally, she helped the USA Women’s Basketball Team advance throughout the tournament by scoring a total of 16 points.

Brittney Griner was one of the most highly anticipated players for the USA Women’s Basketball Team. Participating in Paris this summer marked the first time that Griner had competed overseas since returning from Russia in 2022. As a seasoned Olympian with three gold medals under her belt, Griner’s performance was fueled by her resilience and determination. Her skills shined on both ends of the court, finishing the 2024 Paris Olympics with 25 rebounds and 44 points overall. This year saw the comeback of another player, A’ja Wilson, who has often been referred to as the “GOAT” of women’s basketball. Wilson is well-acquainted with success, as shown by her possession of a gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics and her back-to-back WNBA Championships with the Las Vegas Aces. Her performance in Paris this summer resulted in her being crowned the MVP of the 2024 Olympics women’s basketball tournament. Wilson’s game in the WNBA seamlessly translated into the summer games, where she led with 112 points. In addition, she contributed significantly in other areas. Wilson made 61 rebounds, 11 assists, and 16 blocks during the tournament. No matter when or where she plays, Wilson continues to improve every time she steps onto the court. Unfortunately for her fellow Olympians and opponents in the WNBA, she exhibits no indication of slowing down.

Each member of Team USA was aware of their responsibilities and put other nations to the test. The USA Women’s Basketball has been deemed the most dominant force in Olympic basketball history, and their victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics solidified this reputation even further. The best of the best were chosen to represent “The Land of the Free,” and despite facing controversy and rumors, they persevered and emerged victorious. Their commitment to the game, unmatched bonds, and unwavering determination were truly remarkable and remained unbeatable, even at an international level. Regardless of your allegiance to a particular team, it cannot be denied that the USA Women’s Basketball Team has established itself as one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sports. The USA Women’s Basketball Team was not the only team that took home gold this summer. The USA Men’s Basketball Team also claimed the top spot on the podium, thrilling supporters globally and especially those back home in the States.

The second half of the WNBA season is beginning this week, marking the end of the 2024 Paris Olympic break. Be sure to tune in for their first game back on August 15th at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Amazon Prime!