In a dominant display of skill and determination, the US women's basketball team secured their place in the Olympic gold medal game for the eighth consecutive time with a resounding 85-64 victory over Australia. The American team, extending their unbeaten streak to a remarkable 60 games, will now face either France or Belgium in the final showdown on Sunday.

Breanna Stewart emerged as a standout player for the US, contributing 16 points to the team's victory. Reflecting on the historic winning streak, Stewart expressed her awe, remarking, "The streak is crazy. It started before I was even born, which is wild."

A victorious performance on Sunday would also give Diana Taurasi a record-breaking sixth Olympic gold medal, solidifying her status as the most decorated Olympic basketball player. Despite being held out of the starting lineup for the first time since the 2004 Olympics, Taurasi made her impact felt when she entered the game in the third quarter.

The Americans wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking an early lead over Australia. However, it was in the second quarter that they truly seized control, embarking on a decisive 12-0 run. By halftime, the US had built a commanding lead of 45-27.

The Australians struggled to mount a comeback in the second half, unable to challenge the offensive prowess of the American juggernaut. Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and A'ja Wilson each contributed double-digit points, complementing Stewart's standout performance. On the Australian side, Isobel Borlase led the team with 11 points, followed closely by Tess Madgen and Ezi Magbegor, who each contributed 10 points.

The US team's strong performance allowed coach Cheryl Reeve to rotate her players and ensure their freshness and mental preparedness for the highly anticipated gold medal game. Reeve commented, "The group that's going to be out there is going to be a little more ready and rested to be able to give everything they have."

While the American team boasts a roster of 12 WNBA All-Stars with multiple MVP awards, the Australian team relies on complementary players in the league. Unfortunately for the Opals, they lacked the offensive firepower to compete with the star-studded American squad.

This victory adds another chapter to the one-sided rivalry between the two teams, as the Australians have never managed to defeat the US in Olympic competition. The Opals suffered defeats at the hands of the Americans in the gold medal games of 2000, 2004, and 2008, as well as in the semi-finals of the 1996 and 2012 Olympics.

Lauren Jackson, an Australian player who has experienced the pain of these losses, acknowledged the greatness of the American team, stating, "America, they're the goats for a reason. They are full of superstars, and you look at the name on every single jersey out there, and they are the best players in the world. They're incredible."

With only five minutes of play in this Olympics, Jackson's presence on the court serves as a testament to her resilience and determination, having returned to the sport after retiring in 2016 due to injuries. The 43-year-old player made a remarkable comeback, helping the Opals secure a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup. Now, she hopes to add another medal to her collection with a victory on Sunday.

As the US women's basketball team remains on course to make history, all eyes now turn to the gold medal game on Sunday, where they will face either France or Belgium. A win would not only secure an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal for the American team but also cement their status as the most dominant force in Olympic basketball history.