SAITAMA, Japan — The members of the U.S. women’s basketball team lined up on the court at Saitama Super Arena, stepped onto the highest podium and raised their hands above their heads. But in other ways, it was exactly what the basketball world has seen from the American women’s team for more than two decades. The United States dominated on the court in the final of the Olympic tournament, beating Japan, 90-75, to claim the team’s seventh consecutive gold medal. The Americans’ talent was unmatched throughout a Games in which they did not lose. And in the middle of the team picture afterward were the smiling faces of two veteran guards, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who won their first gold medal before some of their current teammates had started kindergarten.

Source: New York Times August 08, 2021 08:09 UTC