PARIS (France) - There were so many highs and talking points at an exciting and memorable Women's Olympic Basketball Tournamernt Paris 2024.
We've picked out some of the things that you had to love and a few things we've all learned too.
Record crowds and amazing atmospheres
From the first moment at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille until the showpiece Final at Bercy Arena, the support from the public was sensational. A new record was set for a women's game in Europe which was amazing, but it wasn't just about the numbers.
Arguably, it was the atmosphere that captured the imagination and set pulses racing. It was off the chart and underlined the ever-increasing popularity of the women's game, following up on a record-breaking FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney.
Nigeria's historic effort showed Africa can shine
You could argue strongly that Nigeria's heroics were THE story of the tournament. It was an extraordinary and phenomenal accomplishment for the fantastic Rena Wakama and her players. Not only picking up a first-ever Group phase win by beating Australia on the first day but by not settling for this and pushing for more.
After that game, the play-caller insisted Nigeria were targeting the podium. Anyone left open-mouthed or doubting were silenced when D'Tigress became the first African team to win twice at the Games after they despatched Canada.
At that point, they made more history by becoming the first African team men or women to compete in the Quarter-Finals and had they not been paired with USA, who knows? Their defense and heart were stellar, so who knows what might be possible moving forward?
On the last day of the competition there was deserved recognition for the work of Wakama who received the Best Coach Paris 2024 honor.
Germany can be a force as hosts of the 2026 Worlds
Momentum is one of the post powerful attributes or forces for any team and it is unquestionably something Germany have right now. Attaining their best ever finish of 6th at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, they followed this up with a debut Olympics that brought a historic first victory, two in total, and a ride to the Quarter-Finals as rookies.
Throw in the 3x3 Women's team winning gold and there will be even more excitement around their possibilities when they host the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.
Cats show what's possible with the 'Miracle of Lille'
The beauty of the Olympics is that it throws up the most unlikely outcomes and stories, epitomizing the spirit of the Games. Belgium lost their first two matches and needed a 27-point win against Japan to be guaranteed of a Quarter-Finals ticket.
In a game that will be remembered by Cats' fans for years to come, they showed incredible fight and belief to win by exactly that margin. Roared on by a captivating number of Belgian fans, it was a special day and very much, 'The Miracle of Lille'.
At least 36 years of total USA dominance
A total of 36 years without losing a game at the Olympics is now fully locked in for the all-conquering USA. Now with 10 titles to their name, they will go for number 11 and their 9th in a row as host nation in 2028.
Any team wanting to break their jaw-dropping winning streak of 61 games in Los Angeles will have to do what no team has managed since 1992. It remains one of the most impressive periods of dominance in any sport - ever. Even if this time they REALLY did have to dig it out!
France have the potential to dominate Europe
On the topic of dominance, France have shown at this tournament that if they realize their potential and manage to have all their big-hitters on board, they could dream of FIBA Women's EuroBasket gold for the first time since way back in 2009. The way they pushed USA to get within a point in the Final was sensational.
A gap of 16 years with no silverware is not really acceptable within a Continental context for a nation like France, but on these impressive Olympic performances, they should be looking to take the crown of being the best team in Europe!
End of an era for legendary duo Taurasi and Jackson
If you have a conversation about the women's basketball GOAT and who that might be, both of these legendary ballers are in the conversation and some might argue at the very top of the list. Paris 2024 will be remembered as the time when they stepped away with almost unrivaled legacies to their name. Six gold medals for Taurasi and five medals with the Opals for Lauren Jackson - mind-blowing.
An efficiency of 45 out of nowhere
Ezi Magbegor was billed to be Australia's leading player in the competition but heading into the last day, the center had been relatively low-key. Then, out of nowhere, she absolutely erupted with that spectacular record-breaking efficiency of 45 to wrap up bronze for her country. Yes, it's not how you start, but how you finish. Both Magbegor and the Opals started ice cold and finished breathing fire.
FIBA