“We’re the dynasty of all dynasties,” Staley said. “We always talk about gold standards. We always talk about gold habits, and we seem to perform every every four years. We get it done. It is not easy…DAWN STALEY

Dawn Staley will never miss a chance to witness women’s basketball history. On Sunday, Team USA women’s basketball defeated France 67-66 to claim the gold medal in its eighth-straight Olympic Games. After the victory, Staley raved about Team USA’s triumph.

“We’re the dynasty of all dynasties,” Staley said. “We always talk about gold standards. We always talk about gold habits, and we seem to perform every every four years. We get it done. It is not easy.

“The world is catching up to us, as you can see. France played their hearts out. They laid it on the line in front of their their home crowd, and that’s what happens. I hope in 2028 it’s not this close.”

It was a nail-biter in Paris, with the game coming down to the last shot. A’ja Wilson led the way for the Americans, tallying a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds while adding four blocks, as well.

Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper made significant contributions too, combining for 24 points, five assists and six rebounds. Staley couldn’t be prouder of the team and Wilson, who she coached at South Carolina.

“I wasn’t coaching. I was cheering,” Staley said. “I was just trying to help them. Pour into them. Make them make some good basketball plays to open this lead. France played incredibly. They fed off the crowd. I think the crowd was louder today than it was last night. Gabby Williams played her heart out. But, at end of the day, we had A’ja Wilson and they didn’t.

“I know A’ja wishes she can get back some of those missed free throws, probably the entire team. But, when it was time to make a play, she made a play. She hit a free throw.”

Team USA had to earns its gold
Team USA now boasts 61 straight Olympic victories in women’s basketball since 1992. In total, U.S. women’s basketball has a 74-3 all-time record in the Olympics. Despite Team USA’s dominance, its victory wasn’t always obvious.

France outscored the U.S. 16-10 in the second period to tie the game at 25 heading into halftime. During the break, four-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie said that she was “shocked” by the first-half turnout by Team USA.

No American scored more than six points during the first two quarters, and was led by Wilson’s six points and nine rebounds on 2-of-9 shooting at the time.

“We had to play [defense]. We only put 67 points on the scoreboard, and that really doesn’t win you a whole lot gold medals,” Staley said. “We needed to defend because our shots weren’t falling. We were missing. We were missing a lot of layups. We turned the ball over a whole lot.

“We’re hitting on all strides right now. Women’s basketball, women’s sports, we are there. There’s no turning back. It only gets better.”