In the thrilling final of the women's basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics, the USA team defeated France 67-66 on Sunday, securing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The victory dashed France's hopes of providing a golden ending to their home Games, while the Americans extended their impressive Olympic winning streak to 61 games—a streak that dates back to 1992.
A Final of Tension and Drama
The high-stakes clash took place with LeBron James, fresh off the USA men's team's victory over France the day before, watching closely, his gold medal shining as a symbol of American basketball dominance. With this win, the USA women completed an Olympic double in basketball, further solidifying their place in history.
“It was a tough battle, one that pushed both teams to their limits,” said USA coach Cheryl Reeve. “We struggled to find our rhythm, especially in transition, but credit to both teams for putting on a defensive showcase.”
France, undaunted by the American pedigree, took a 10-point lead in the third quarter, seemingly poised to pull off a monumental comeback. The tenacity of the French team was encapsulated by Gabby Williams, who hit a crucial three-pointer with just five seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to one point and leaving the arena in suspense.
But the drama didn’t end there.
As the final seconds ticked away, Williams launched a desperate shot that hit the back of the rim and went in as the buzzer sounded. For a brief moment, it seemed that France had forced overtime. However, after a tense video review, it was determined that Williams' foot was on the three-point line, making the shot worth only two points. The USA team erupted in celebration, while the French players stood in shock.
“I feel so sorry for our players because they gave everything they had,” said French coach Jean-Aimé Toupane. "Their performance tonight was truly exceptional. Losing in this way is tough, but it's part of the sport."
The victory not only secured the USA women's place in the annals of Olympic history as the oldest gold medalist in a traditional team sport, but it also propelled the United States to the top of the overall medal standings at the Paris Games. The USA finished with 40 gold medals, tying with China but surpassing them with a higher silver medal count—44 to China’s 27.
Leading the charge for the USA team was A'ja Wilson, who scored 21 points, a game-high, supported by Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper, who each contributed 12 points. Gabby Williams led France with 19 points in a valiant effort.
Although Diana Taurasi did not play in the final, she still made history by winning her sixth Olympic gold medal, becoming the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history, surpassing her longtime teammate Sue Bird.
Reflecting on the victory, Taurasi commented: “It was a phenomenal game against a strong French team and an incredible crowd. Winning isn't easy—it takes resilience and the will to move forward. Tonight, we found a way, and that's what matters.”
As the Paris Olympics came to a close, the legacy of the USA Women’s Basketball Team remained firmly intact, with their thrilling victory serving as the perfect conclusion to another chapter in their history.
