PHOENIX MERCURY

Kahleah Copper takes over late to help US women hold on for gold over France

Aug 11, 2024, 8:47 AM | Updated: 10:02 am

Members of Gold medal winning Team United States pose for a photoduring the Women's basketball meda...

Members of Gold medal winning Team United States pose for a photoduring the Women's basketball medal ceremony on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The U.S. women’s basketball team narrowly avoided its first Olympic loss since 1992, edging out host France 67-66 on Sunday for the gold medal in Paris with some fireworks at the buzzer.

Kahleah Copper led the Phoenix Mercury stars with 12 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Brittney Griner had four points and two rebounds in five first-half minutes but didn’t play in the second.

Diana Taurasi didn’t see the floor for the first time all tournament but won her sixth Olympic gold medal, the most all-time for a U.S. basketball player, men’s or women’s.

Copper’s defense was exceptional late, minimizing France’s high-level perimeter scorers and showing the physicality required on a FIBA stage. She also forced a turnover with two minutes left to retain a three-point lead.

Her free throws with three seconds left put the gold on ice as Seattle Storm wing Gabby Williams hit a shot at the buzzer that would’ve sent it to overtime if her foot wasn’t on the line.

Williams led France with 19 points, seven rebounds and three steals in the loss.

Olympic MVP A’ja Wilson led the way for the Americans with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for her fourth double-double of the tournament. Her two misses at the rim in the final seconds of the first half kept the U.S. from gaining an advantage going into the break. It didn’t help that French guard Marine Fauthoux hit a logo 3 late in the second that kept the momentum even and helped tie the score at 25-all at the break.

Former San Antonio Stars forward Valériane Ayayi helped France by scoring eight points of a 10-0 start to the second half that matched the Americans’ second quarter total.

Kelsey Plum and Wilson led a response that kept the game from getting out of hand. Wilson added a couple more buckets and a block before Sabrina Ionsecu later found Napheesa Collier for the assist to get the lead back at 41-40. The two connected again to end the third on a high note before Copper exploded in the fourth.

Taurasi had previously played between six and 15 minutes in each Olympic game but had only made 1-of-9 three-pointers in the tournament and watched this one from the bench, as head coach Cheryl Reeve tightened the rotation for the gold medal game.

Griner was in tears as the national anthem played during the medal ceremony.

Phoenix Mercury

Satou Sabally, Mercury...

Alex Weiner

Satou Sabally eager to build on Mercury’s championship legacy

The Phoenix Mercury were exactly what coveted WNBA free agent Satou Sabally was looking for in the next stage of her career.

6 days ago

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally handles the ball during a WNBA basketball game against the New Y...

Lance Hartzler

Phoenix Mercury a winner of WNBA free agency, writes ESPN’s Kevin Pelton

The Phoenix Mercury added Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to earn high trade grades from ESPN reporter Kevin Pelton.

7 days ago

John Shumate died Monday morning at the age of 72...

Tyler Drake

Former Suns forward, assistant coach John Shumate dead at 72

Former Suns first-round draft pick John Shumate, who also played a role as a scout and assistant for the team, died Monday at the age of 72.

8 days ago

Satou Sabally...

Alex Weiner

Report: Mercury acquire All-Star Satou Sabally from Wings, trade Sophie Cunningham

The Mercury reportedly added All-Star Satou Sabally from the Wings in a three-team trade that sent sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham to the Fever.

10 days ago

Brittney Griner...

Alex Weiner

Mercury legend Brittney Griner to sign with Atlanta Dream

Brittney Griner has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream, ending her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury after 11 seasons, ESPN reported. 

13 days ago

Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) handles the ball against Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna S...

Arizona Sports

Report: Natasha Cloud a part of Mercury’s blockbuster trade for Alyssa Thomas

The Phoenix Mercury are finalizing a trade to acquire Connecticut Sun All-Star Alyssa Thomas, according to multiple reports.

14 days ago

Kahleah Copper takes over late to help US women hold on for gold over France