In a dramatic conclusion to the women’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics, Sabrina Ionescu, a former standout from the University of Oregon and current star guard for the New York Liberty, added a monumental achievement to her already impressive resume. On Sunday, Ionescu played a key role in helping Team USA secure a nail-biting 67-66 victory over France in the gold medal match, 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 ascent 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 top players of her generation.
Throughout the six-game Olympic tournament, Ionescu was a reliable contributor off the bench, showcasing her all-around 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 approximately 13 minutes per game, providing a steadying presence for Team USA whenever she was on the floor.
One of Ionescu’s most memorable moments came during the group stage against Belgium. With the game hanging in the balance, she delivered a clutch, long-range three-pointer that silenced the crowd and sealed an 87-74 victory for the U.S. In classic Ionescu fashion, she followed the shot by putting a finger to her lips, a gesture that spoke volumes about her confidence and poise under pressure.
In the gold medal showdown against the host nation, France, Ionescu’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Although she didn’t score in her 10 minutes of play, she dished out three crucial assists and played solid defense. The U.S. team faced a formidable challenge, falling behind by double digits in the second half. However, their resilience and experience shone through as they clawed back to secure the one-point victory, preserving their Olympic legacy.
With the win over France, the United States not only claimed its eighth straight gold medal but also extended its Olympic winning streak to an incredible 61 games. This historic achievement underscores the sustained excellence of the U.S. 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 expected to rejoin the Liberty for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks. The Liberty, currently boasting the league’s best record at 21-4, will look to maintain their momentum as they continue their quest for a championship. For Ionescu, the Olympic gold is a fitting chapter in a career that promises many more accolades to come.
