Gabby Williams Olympic Updates

When 2018 No. 4 overall pick Gabby Williams takes the floor for France in Tokyo she isn’t just representing one of her two home countries. She also bears the distinction of being the only member of Los Angeles Sparks to appear in the 2020 Olympic Games. She was traded to the Sparks on May 9, signed an extension on May 14, and is on a full-season suspension due to her French National Team obligations.

MONDAY JULY 26: JAPAN 74, FRANCE 70

While Williams and France fell to Japan 74-70 in their opening preliminary round matchup on Monday July 26, the 24-year-old put up a solid, well-balanced performance. With 31 minutes under her belt, the forward spent more time on the floor than any of her 11 other teammates.

Williams’ performance highlights her ability to contribute to her team’s effort in all facets of the game. In fact, she was the only player on either France or Japan to record numbers in each of the five following statistical categories: points (9), rebounds (4), assists (5), steals (4), and blocks (2).

France and Williams now must turn their attention to taking down a tough Nigeria squad on Friday July 30. Nigeria lost its opening matchup in Tokyo as well, falling 81-72 to the United States. With both France and Nigeria behind in group play, this next contest is essentially do-or-die for either team.

FRIDAY JULY 30: FRANCE 87, NIGERIA 62

Gabby Williams and France righted the ship in Tokyo last night against Nigeria. The forward put up 13 points on the way to a dominant 87-62 victory that was never in much doubt. She was one of four French players to score in double figures. Her nine rebounds, which were tied for tops among all players in the contest, left her just short of a double-double. Williams also added four assists and a team-high three steals to help her team. It was a crucial win for Williams and France, who now turn their attention to the juggernaut United States, which handled Japan 86-69 last night.

SUNDAY AUGUST 1: USA 93, FRANCE 82

In their final preliminary round game, Williams and France fell 93-82 to the eight-time Olympic Gold Medalist United States in a hard-fought battle. Williams spent a team-high 32 minutes on the floor for France. For the second time in three games, she was the only French player to record numbers in each of the following statistical categories: points (10), rebounds (5), assists (3), steals (6), and blocks (1). Her six steals and one block were tops for France. Despite finishing 1-2 in group play Williams and France were able to punch their ticket to the knockout round, by virtue of being one of the top two third-place finishers in pool competition. They now get set to take on Spain in a quarterfinal matchup on August 4.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4: FRANCE 67, SPAIN 64

 Gabby Williams and France prevailed in the 2020 Women’s Quarterfinal, defeating Spain 67-64 and moving on to the Semifinals. France started strong, putting up 21 points in the first quarter. Williams scored 11 points and added four assists and three rebounds in 29 minutes of play. The forward was one of two french players in double digits scoring, Marine Johannes led all scorers with 18 points.

France will go head-to-head with Japan on Friday August 6 at 4 a.m. PST. If France wins, they will play in the Gold Medal game against the winner of the USA or Serbia matchup. If France loses to Japan, they will play for Bronze against the loser of the USA vs. Serbia match-up.

FRIDAY AUGUST 6: JAPAN 87, FRANCE 71

Williams’ and France’s campaign for Gold in Tokyo ended today with a semifinal loss to Japan by a score of 87-71. The French raced out to a 22-14 lead in the first quarter. However, they were unable to recover after being outscored 27-12 in the second quarter.

Still, Williams put up another solid performance. The Spark led all players on either team with eight rebounds, while recording a team-high seven assists, and nabbing three steals (which left her tied with two teammates for most in the game). Williams also played a team-high 26 minutes in the loss.

The 24-year-old forward and France still have a lot to play for, as they will take the court against Serbia tonight (midnight pacific standard time) with an Olympic Bronze Medal on the line. If they come out on top, they will earn their country just it’s second Olympic medal in women’s basketball and it’s first since taking home the Silver in 2012.

SATURDAY AUGUST 7: FRANCE 91, SERBIA 76

 Gabby Williams and France earned a Bronze Medal in Tokyo with a convincing 91-76 triumph over Serbia. France trailed 23-19 at the end of the first quarter, but dominated the rest of the contest, taking a 43-40 lead with less than a minute to go before halftime and never relinquished it.

Williams paced the French with her best game of the tournament, leading all players with 17 points and recording a team-high eight rebounds while also playing a team-high 30 minutes.

The Spark hit six of her nine field goal attempts and went four for five from beyond the arc. She also notched four assists, tied for the team-lead with two other players. Furthermore, she was the only French player to record both a steal and a block in the contest.

Williams and her team will return from Tokyo with their heads held high, knowing they earned their country just it’s second Olympic medal in women’s hoops.

The Sparks, meanwhile, can be proud, as their lone Olympic representative led her team to success in Tokyo.