The Netherlands women’s wheelchair basketball team staged an impressive comeback to defeat the United States 63-49, retaining their Paralympic title at the Paris 2024 Games on Sunday, 8 September.
Despite a hard-fought 50-47 victory over China just days earlier, the U.S. started strongly, surging to an 8-1 lead in the first quarter. Rose Hollerman, a key player for the American side, showcased her skills, contributing eight points as they aimed for their first Paralympic gold since Rio 2016.
However, the Dutch team, reigning two-time world champions, initially seemed rattled at Bercy Arena. A late surge in the first quarter, though, saw them narrow the deficit, going into the break trailing just 12-8.
Momentum shifted entirely in the second quarter. The Netherlands, energized and relentless, took control of the game, outscoring the U.S. and securing a 31-24 lead by halftime. Mariska Beijer played a pivotal role, amassing 12 points by the end of the second quarter.
From that point on, the Dutch team stayed in control, winning 63-49 and successfully keeping their Paralympic title. The U.S. team’s early lead wasn’t enough to hold off the Dutch determination, and the Netherlands celebrated another victory in women’s wheelchair basketball.
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