In a dramatic conclusion to the women's basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics, Sabrina Ionescu, former standout from the University of Oregon and current star of the New York Liberty, added a monumental achievement to her already impressive resume. On Sunday, Ionescu played a crucial role in the USA's narrow 67-66 victory over France in the final, extending the United States' dominance with an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Ionescu's journey to Olympic glory is a testament to her rapid rise in the basketball world. Less than five years after leaving Oregon as the most decorated player in the school's history, she has continued to thrive at the professional level and on the international stage. This gold medal marks her first Olympic triumph, a milestone that solidifies her status as one of the best players of her generation.
Throughout the six-game Olympic tournament, Ionescu was a reliable contributor coming off the bench, showcasing her versatile game. She shot 42% from the field, totaling 33 points and averaging 5.5 points per game. In addition to her scoring, Ionescu averaged 3.3 assists in about 13 minutes per game, providing a stabilizing presence for the USA team whenever she was on the court.
One of Ionescu's most memorable moments came during the group stage against Belgium. With the game in the balance, she hit a crucial long-range three-pointer that silenced the crowd and secured an 87-74 victory for the USA. True to her style, Ionescu followed the shot with a finger-to-lips gesture, a sign that spoke volumes about her confidence and composure under pressure.
In the gold medal match against host nation France, Ionescu's impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Although she did not score in her 10 minutes of play, she provided three crucial assists and played solid defense. The USA team faced a formidable challenge, trailing by double digits in the second half. However, their resilience and experience shone through as they rallied to secure a one-point victory, preserving their Olympic legacy.
With the victory over France, the United States not only claimed their eighth consecutive gold medal but also extended their Olympic winning streak to an incredible 61 games. This historic achievement underscores the sustained excellence of the USA women's basketball program, which has been the gold standard in international competition for nearly three decades.
As the dust settles on the Paris Olympics, Ionescu's focus will shift back to the WNBA, where she is set to join the Liberty for their next game against the Los Angeles Sparks. The Liberty, currently boasting the best record in the league at 21-4, will look to maintain their momentum as they continue their pursuit of a championship. For Ionescu, the Olympic gold is a fitting chapter in a career that promises many more accolades to come.
