Copper becomes gold for Team USA
Kahleah Copper And A’ja Wilson was key to the USA’s comeback, and their defense was stifling in the second half. The USA had not been challenged throughout the Olympic tournament, but France’s pressure defense forced the Americans into numerous turnovers, and they could never find the finishing touches to gain safety.
Williams, who had given up her WNBA season to prepare for this moment, made a three-pointer with five seconds left to cut the U.S. lead to one point before Copper was fouled with 3.8 seconds left and made both free throws to set up the dramatic and confusing ending.
“I knew right away it was a two-point game. I’m disappointed,” Williams said. “I’m really happy with what we (with Team France) accomplished. I don’t think we should hang our heads. Of course you’re disappointed, but I think in a few hours we’ll be celebrating because what we accomplished was incredible.”
The US team was expected to cruise through the tournament as the only undefeated team, especially after dismantling Australia in the semifinals. The Australians beat France in the group stage, but French coach Jean Aime Toupane made some smart adjustments, deploying his defenders in a full-court defense against the US team’s defenders, pressuring the offense and causing mistakes.
Team USA played better in the second half, committing just five turnovers and taking advantage of Wilson’s willpower in the box and Copper’s attacks for layups. But the players knew France would be a formidable opponent, especially in a packed Bercy Arena.
“Listen, this is the Olympics, this is the biggest stage. France came and the support for their team was incredible,” said Copper.As a competitor, you love these environments and expect teams to give them these qualities. It feels even better to have to go through the game like that, to really have to find it, to really string together stops and really work together, so I’m proud of this group.”
Wilson was named the Olympic tournament’s most valuable player and finished the gold medal game with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots in over 33 minutes. She controlled the court against France’s numerous centers but said she stopped playing when fouls were called.
“I stopped waiting for the calls and just thought, ‘Something has to work,'” Wilson said. “I’m not going to shy away from it. I’ve been relying more on my defense and that’s helped not only me but my team. But the problem in international play, especially in USAB (basketball), is that they don’t care about anything when it comes to us. You have to work harder, play despite the contact and be as composed as possible.”
