The New York Liberty’s involvement in the ongoing women’s basketball competitions has been significant, with several key players and their head coach vying for medals. Liberty’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, was at the helm of the Australian Opals, who initially put up a strong fight against Team USA in their recent matchup. Despite their best efforts, Australia fell behind as the game progressed, with the Americans overpowering them in the second quarter, ultimately dashing Australia’s hopes of competing for the gold.
The Australians, featuring five WNBA players at the start of the game, managed to stay within striking distance of Team USA, trailing by just four points after the first quarter. However, as the second quarter unfolded, Team USA went on a 20-5 run, effectively sealing the game’s outcome and ensuring their place in the gold medal match. This left Australia to contend for the bronze medal at best, much to the disappointment of Brondello and her team.
Brondello, well aware of the caliber of Team USA, acknowledged the uphill battle her team faced. She praised the American players, including stars like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Napheesa Collier, acknowledging that the Australians needed to play a near-perfect game to stand a chance. Unfortunately for Brondello, her team could not deliver on that front, and the Americans’ superior performance shone through.
Breanna Stewart, a key player for the Liberty, showcased her skills once again, leading all scorers with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Brondello, who coaches Stewart in the WNBA, was undoubtedly familiar with her capabilities, but that didn’t make it any easier to watch her dominate the game. The highlight reels may not be available due to strict copyright restrictions from the International Olympic Committee, but fans of the Liberty would have no trouble imagining Stewart’s contributions, given her consistent excellence.
In addition to Stewart, other stars from the WNBA made their mark in the game. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces had a solid performance, contributing across the board with ten points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four blocks. Her teammate Jackie Young added 14 points, two rebounds, five assists, and two steals, further emphasizing Team USA’s depth and talent.
Sabrina Ionescu, another key player for the Liberty, also made the most of her limited time on the court. Despite playing just ten minutes, Ionescu managed to score ten points, including a couple of signature deep three-pointers. Although Ionescu hasn’t been the focal point of the team as some anticipated, her contributions have been timely and impactful, adding to her growing reputation as a clutch performer.
As Team USA looks ahead to the gold medal match, they are set to face France, mirroring the matchup that the American men’s team will also face in their quest for gold. France, led by Marine Johannès, a player expected to rejoin the Liberty in 2025, had a mixed performance in the semifinals. Johannès struggled with her shooting, hitting just 1-of-10 from the field, and did not play in the closing moments of the game. However, with the help of her talented teammates, including Gabby Williams and Iliana Rupert, France managed to secure their place in the final after a dramatic overtime victory against Belgium.
The upcoming gold medal match between the United States and France promises to be an exciting contest, with Stewart, Ionescu, and other WNBA stars aiming to continue Team USA’s dominance in women’s basketball. The Americans are heavily favored to win their eighth consecutive gold medal, a remarkable achievement that underscores their sustained excellence in the sport.
Meanwhile, Brondello’s Australian team will battle Belgium for the bronze medal. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the gold medal match, the Australians will be motivated to secure a spot on the podium and take home a medal for their efforts.
For basketball fans, the action doesn’t stop there. The men’s bronze medal game will also take place, with Dennis Schroder leading Germany against Serbia, a team that features Nikola Jokic and two Brooklyn Nets players, Nikola Milutinov and Vanja Marinkovic. Germany has never finished higher than seventh in the Olympics, so a bronze medal would be a historic achievement for the nation.
With all these thrilling matchups ahead, the New York Liberty’s influence on the international stage is undeniable, and the potential for their players and coach to bring home medals adds an extra layer of excitement for fans back home.
