United States Faces Netherlands for Gold in Women’s Wheelchair Basketball at Paris 2024 Paralympics
The United States women’s wheelchair basketball team has secured a place in the gold-medal game at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, marking their first appearance in this crucial matchup since the 2016 Rio Games. On September 6, 2024, they achieved a hard-fought victory over the People’s Republic of China with a score of 50-47. The team is set to face the Netherlands in the final bout on Sunday.
The semifinal match against China proved to be a tightly contested affair characterized by formidable defensive strategies from both teams. The U.S. managed to score only 50 points and struggled offensively, managing to shoot at an efficiency of 42 percent from the field. Notably, China led at halftime, but a determined performance in the latter stages of the third quarter allowed Team USA to surge ahead.
Key player Rose Hollerman played an instrumental role in securing the victory, contributing significantly with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while playing the entire duration of the game. “We prioritized our defense, adhered to our game plan, and maintained our focus throughout. I assessed their defensive strategies and capitalized on the opportunities presented to me,” Hollerman remarked. She noted that early in the match, she was permitted shots from outside, leading her to successfully score from distance before driving towards the basket as the defense adjusted.
The U.S. effectively exploited opportunities in the paint, outscoring China with a total of 22 points in that area compared to China’s mere 12. Ixhelt Gonzalez solidified the victory by successfully converting a crucial free throw with just 25 seconds remaining in the contest. Gonzalez, who finished with 11 points, expressed the significance of the moment, stating, “I visualized myself taking the free throw in my home back in Chicago. It is a skill I practice diligently, as free throws can decisively influence the outcome of a game.”
On the other side of the bracket, the Netherlands triumphed with a 72-61 victory over Canada in their semifinal match held at Bercy Arena on the same day. The Dutch team, looking to defend their title after clinching gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, established an early 13-point lead. However, Canada remained competitive throughout the match, with statistics indicating the game was closely contested. Both teams recorded similar shooting percentages, with the Netherlands hitting 50 percent from the field relative to Canada’s 42 percent, and committing comparable turnovers.
Demonstrating composure and experience under pressure, the Netherlands executed pivotal free throws down the stretch, ensuring their spot in the finals. The gold-medal match between the United States and the Netherlands is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024, while Canada and the People’s Republic of China will vie for bronze during the same event.
This upcoming confrontation between two formidable teams promises to be a captivating encounter, showcasing exceptional skill and determination on the path to Olympic glory.
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