The French word for “miracle” could have translated to “disaster” for the U.S. women’s basketball team on Sunday. However, what might have been a historic upset turned into yet another memorable victory for the Americans, who secured their eighth consecutive gold medal in a game decided by mere inches.
The U.S. narrowly escaped a serious and stunning challenge from France, winning by a razor-thin margin of 67-66. The outcome hinged on a last-second heave from Gabby Williams, which banked in but was ruled a two-pointer because her foot was on the 3-point line. This denied France a shot at forcing overtime and left the crowd at Bercy Arena with a sense of anticlimax. France had pushed the U.S. to the brink in a once-in-a-lifetime performance, yet they came up just short, while Team USA felt relief more than triumph.
In the end, the U.S. secured its 61st consecutive Olympic win and eighth straight gold medal. For Diana Taurasi, who won her sixth career gold despite not playing in the game, the victory highlighted the hard work and luck involved in maintaining such dominance. “People often think these games are easy because we keep winning gold medals,” Taurasi said. “But playing in France against a team with their pedigree, it takes a lot of hard work and a bit of luck. I’ve been fortunate to play alongside some of the greatest players ever, and now to see the next generation carry on that legacy is special.”
This victory also marked the 40th gold medal for the U.S. at the Paris Games, tying them with China for the most golds, and solidifying their position as the overall medal leader with 126 total medals.
The Americans’ win came down to clutch free throws in the final seconds, with Kahleah Copper sinking the game-winning shots with just three seconds left. Copper, who had a 12-point, five-rebound performance, reflected on her role: “Great players step up whenever their name is called. My career has been about staying ready, and when the opportunity comes, I make the most of it.”
France led by as much as 10 points in the third quarter, but Team USA, despite being off their game, clawed back. A’ja Wilson led the charge, scoring 21 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking four shots. She turned around her performance in the second half and was named the MVP of the Olympics, averaging 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds over the six games.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game, but sometimes you have to grind out a win, and we did that today,” Wilson said. “The atmosphere was electric, and it was a great game to be part of.”
Kelsey Plum also contributed significantly off the bench, scoring 12 points and hitting four critical free throws in the final moments. Although Breanna Stewart struggled offensively, she made a crucial blocked shot with 20 seconds left that helped the U.S. maintain its slim lead.
The game was invigorating and unsettling for the Americans, who faced a rare moment of doubt in their usually dominant Olympic performances. France’s aggressive and physical defense pushed the U.S. out of its comfort zone, leading to uncharacteristic turnovers and missed opportunities.
Despite the pressure, Team USA managed to hold on, while France, despite their admirable and sustained effort, fell just short. Gabby Williams led the French with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the U.S. from claiming another gold.
“I saw it was a 2-pointer from behind Williams,” Copper said. “So no stress for me, but I can’t speak for those on the bench.”
Did the USA women’s basketball team win a gold medal?
Team USA wins their seventh consecutive gold medal in Olympic women’s basketball. “An incredible basketball game, absolutely, an incredible basketball game,” USA head coach Cheryl Reeve stated.
Did the USA women’s basketball beat France?
Led by A’Ja Wilson, who scored 21 points, the United States women’s team defeated France 67-66 on Sunday, becoming the first basketball team in Olympic history to win eight straight gold medals.
