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Team USA vs France: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for August 11 | 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball gold medal game
As the 2024 Paris Olympics reach its crescendo, the final of the women’s basketball sees Team USA battle it out against the host nation France for the prestigious gold on Sunday. Will A'ja Wilson & Co secure their 10th gold, or will France become the first team since the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1992 to defeat the Americans and win its first gold?
The USAWBNT are no strangers to the competition, having medaled in every Olympic appearance and are on a quest for its record-breaking 12th overall and 10th gold medal.
There's no doubt that Team USA go into the game in better form, going unbeaten in last 60 Olympic outings.
Cheryl Reeve’s women dominated their group, beating Germany, Japan and Belgium in an impressive showing. They followed up by knocking out Nigeria 88-74 in the quarterfinal and Australia in the semifinal on Friday as the Americans cruised their way to another Olympic final.
Identically, France topped their group but suffered a narrow loss to Nigeria. However, Les Bleus bounced back to reach its well-deserved second Olympic final, beating European giants Germany and Belgium on the way.
This will be France's second Olympic final appearance, having finished fourth in 2016 and third in Tokyo 2020 despite making their Olympic debut in 2000. The only time France reached the final was in 2012, when they lost 86-50 to the Americans.
Team USA vs France: Starting lineups and depth charts
Team USA starting lineups and depth charts
Once again, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart should support Jackie Young up front, and Cheryl Reeve team could be could be tempted to select an unchanged starting lineup for gold-medal decider.
Napheesa Collier and Chelsea Gray produced good display against Australia during the semifinal, covering the vast court and serving as a crucial link during transitional play. They are expected to complement the trio of Wilson, Stewart and Young.
France starting lineups and depth charts
France coach Jean-Aime Toupane has rotated his squad slightly more than Reeve, but the star unit of Gabby Williams, Marieme Badiane and Valeriane Ayayi has stayed the same for the last three games, and that's expected to continue for the final. Williams has been one of the standout players in the tournament will look to produce another strong display.
Speed and set plays be the key to success for the French. So, Valeriane Vukosavljevic, Iliana Rupert and Marine Johannes will continue to operate with more increased time to contain the star-studded USA team.
Team USA vs France: Players to watch
Breanna Stewart has been a formidable force in this year’s Olympic Games. The 29-year-old has registered double figures in four of five games while starting every time. Her partnership with WNBA MVP rival A’ja Wilson will be crucial in overcoming France.
One of France’s key weapons of destruction comes through Gabby Williams. Having been a mainstay in the team, starting all the games, the Seattle Storm forward is averaging 18.5 points with 5.4 rebounds per game, including a combined 33 points in the knockout stages.
With the speed and skill, the hosts nation possess, Willimas will have to be alert throughout the game to sniff out every chance, but she has the ability to do so.
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