Just like in the men’s event, the USA women’s basketball team captured the Olympic gold medal by defeating France in the final. However, the victory was not without its nerve-wracking moments, as the American team nearly saw their lead evaporate in the final seconds. Gabby Williams scored for France, but she was on the line, sealing the game at 66-67.
The Americans rallied back from a 10-point deficit in the third quarter, led by an outstanding performance from A’ja Wilson, who scored 21 points with 6/14 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds, and recorded 4 blocks.
Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper both added 12 points for the USA, while Gabby Williams led France’s valiant effort with 19 points, including 3/6 from beyond the arc.
This victory marked the 61st consecutive Olympic win for the USA women’s basketball team and their eighth straight gold medal since 1996. But without a doubt, this gold was the one they had to fight for the hardest, against an extraordinary French team.
Among those watching the intense match were Emmanuel Macron, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony. With this gold medal in women’s basketball, the USA secured their 40th overall medal and confirmed their position at the top of the medal standings.
France vs. USA: The Match
In a tough final right from the start, the French team struggled with their shooting. The USA capitalized mainly on free throws, with Brittney Griner adding points off the bench, giving the Americans a 9-15 lead.
However, everything changed when Fatou scored from midcourt. The French not only stayed close but managed to take the lead by finding solutions from the perimeter.
In the third quarter, France extended their lead to 10 points (35-25, 23′), but two three-pointers from Plum and a remarkable performance from A’ja Wilson, who took on the French team almost single-handedly, brought the USA back into contention. The Americans regained the lead, 43-45, by the end of the third quarter.
The teams entered the final five minutes tied at 51-51, and from that point on, every detail mattered. A fortunate yet crucial shot from Wilson gave the USA a three-point lead (55-58, 37′), with Gabby Williams responding to make it 59-60 with 1.5 minutes left. France had a chance to tie the game, but their shot missed, and Fatou’s attempt was blocked, allowing the Americans to celebrate once more. Gabby Williams’ final shot attempt, which would have tied the game, was ruled out as she stepped on the line, leaving the final score at 66-67.
Quarter Scores: 9-15, 25-25, 43-45, 66-67.
