U.S. rolls, wins 4th straight gold

Younger players star; Leslie a champ again

By K.C. Johnson | Chicago Tribune

August 24, 2008

Candace Parker , Lisa Leslie, DeLisha Milton-Jones

From left, Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie and DeLisha Milton-Jones pose with their gold medals after beating Australia in the women's basketball final of the Beijing Olympic Games. (AP photo / August 24, 2008)

BEIJING - The scoreboard that flashed "USA 92, Australia 65" yesterday told only part of the story behind this gold-medal dominance.

The three fingers Tamika Catchings held up on each hand, representing the U.S. women's basketball team's 33-game Olympic winning streak, told more.

And the four gold medals Lisa Leslie wore around her neck as she exited the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium added an exclamation point - or maybe an ellipsis?

These were supposed to be the Olympic Games that proved Team USA vulnerable, a semifinal loss to Russia in the 2006 world championships still fresh in many opponents' minds.

Instead, Leslie capped her international career by becoming the first Olympic basketball athlete to win four straight gold medals. And Team USA won its eight games here by an average of 37.6 points with younger players such as Candace Parker, Cappie Pondexter and Kara Lawson making major contributions.

With such veteran players as Leslie and three-time gold medalist Katie Smith likely making their final Olympic appearances, the younger players understand the responsibilities.

" Diana [Taurasi] turned to me and said, 'It's up to us now,'" said Parker, who averaged 9.4 points in this tournament. "We don't want to be a part of the team that doesn't win a gold medal. That's what's on our mind and what was on the newcomers' minds this time around."

Those newcomers didn't disappoint.

Lawson's 15 points led four players in double figures against Australia - allegedly a serious gold-medal contender - and picked up the slack when Smith and Taurasi got into early foul trouble.

Sylvia Fowles added 13 points against Australia and averaged 13.4 points in her first Olympics, replacing Leslie when the latter fouled out with a smile on her face and a legacy intact.

"I don't think there's ever been a team as deep, and that's why USA Basketball is in good hands," guard Sue Bird said. "No matter who was on the court, there was no letdown. At times, when the subs were made, the level of play went up.

"When Lisa fouled out, initially you think, 'Wow, Lisa just fouled out.' Then you see Sylvia running to check in and everything is OK."

Team USA assistant Dawn Staley, who won three Olympic gold medals and two world championships in her playing days, went a step further.

"This is the most talented team with the least amount of preparation," Staley said.

That's in reference to the full complement of 12 players not practicing together until late July and then playing three exhibitions before dominating play here. Team USA did so with a withering defense that limited Australia to 25 percent shooting.

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U.S. rolls, wins 4th straight gold

Younger players star; Leslie a champ again

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U.S. rolls, wins 4th straight gold

Younger players star; Leslie a champ again

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