UConn star Paige Bueckers declare the USA women basketball team “legendary” following electrifying gold medal matchup

The United States Women's Basketball Team won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after defeating France, 67-66.

The victory has been celebrated by many on social media. One of those who posted a message is UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers. She took to her Instagram story and reposted a photo from ESPN with the caption,

"Legendary"

Picture Source: paigebueckers (image credit: instagram/paigebueckers)

The gold medal win is the USA's 10th in the event, and their eighth consecutive, with the streak dating back to the Atlanta Olympics in1996. They did not drop a game throughout the tournament and have now remained unbeaten since 1992.

However, the victory on Sunday was a hard-fought one, and the game was very close to going to overtime as Team USA only had a three-point lead with 3.8 seconds left.

French forward (and former UConn Huskie) Gabby Williams ran down the court and scored a basket on the edge of the three-point line as time ran out. It was only counted as a two-pointer as she stepped on the line, and the United States ultimately won the gold medal.

The American team was full of stars, many of whom played well during the final, and throughout the tournament. A'Ja Wilson top-scored with 21 points in the gold medal game, while Kelsey Plum led the team in assists with four.

Wilson was named the tournament MVP.

The USA Men's Basketball Team celebrate success as well

It is not only the United States women's team that is celebrating as the men's team also swept the competition to win the gold medal. It is the fifth consecutive gold for the men's team, and also the fifth straight Olympics that both Team USA basketball teams are on top of the podium.

The USA continues its dominance despite the sport's growth as a global game. Coach Steve Kerr summed up this point.

"It's a global game with a lot of great players, but we still feel we have the greatest players."

The United States will once again be the favorites to retain their gold medal in four years in Los Angeles. However, teams like France, with Victor Wembanyama leading the charge, are expected to prepare longer as they try to snatch the title away from the home team.