PARIS — A’ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA champion, scored 21 points, leading the U.S. women’s basketball team to a narrow victory of 67-66 over a spirited French squad, securing America’s eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
In a dramatic final moment, with the U.S. ahead 67-64, France’s Gabby Williams attempted a last-second jumper over Breanna Stewart, which banked in as the buzzer sounded. Officials ruled Williams had a foot on the 3-point line, confirming the shot as a 2-pointer and leaving the French fans at Bercy Arena devastated.
“I was trailing the play, but I could definitely see it was a 2[-point shot], so I had no concern at all,” said Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper, who had two critical free throws just before Williams’ shot.
The U.S. women’s team had not lost an Olympic game since they failed to win gold in 1992, entering the final with a remarkable 60-game winning streak. Therefore, it was not surprising that they were favored by 15.5 points in front of a passionate crowd chanting “Allez les Bleus.”
Despite being heavy underdogs, the French team demonstrated their strength with aggressive defense, pushing the U.S. to their limits. The Americans faced difficulties, committing 19 turnovers and shooting only 17% from 3-point range throughout the game.
U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the intensity of the match, stating, “It was ugly for a reason. We both made it hard for each other,” as the teams battled through challenging moments.
Fueled by their home crowd, the French team remained competitive, coming close to overtaking the Americans in crucial moments of the fourth quarter. Stewart gave the U.S. a slim lead at 56-55 with just over three minutes to go, and Wilson increased the margin to 58-55 shortly after.
Stewart, the reigning WNBA MVP, made a pivotal block against a 3-point attempt from Marine Fauthoux, which seemed to seal the win. However, the French team pressed on, culminating in Williams’ near-game-winning shot.
Williams, the standout for France with 19 points, left the court visibly heartbroken, supported by her teammates. Meanwhile, Wilson solidified her status as a key player for the U.S., contributing 13 rebounds and 4 blocks along with her scoring.
“The dynasty we’ve built here at USA Basketball has been incredible,” Wilson remarked. “We believed in each other, and that’s the greatest thing about it.”
With this victory, WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi, who did not participate in the final, became the first athlete in Olympic history to secure six gold medals in a team sport, surpassing her former teammate Sue Bird.
This edition of the Olympics marked the first time that the gold medal match for both men’s and women’s basketball featured the same two countries. As it did in the men’s final the previous day, the host nation France put forth a commendable effort, yet Team USA maintained its dominance in international basketball.