It was USA vs. France, Part II, and it did not disappoint. France made it as difficult as possible for Team USA, but the U.S. managed to eke out a 67-66 win to secure their eighth straight gold medal and 61st straight Olympic victory.
In a physical, low-scoring game, Team USA had to fend off a strong defensive presence from the host country in order to keep its win and gold streaks alive. The U.S. struggled with turnovers and was down by as many as 10 points in the third quarter before pushing back against France.
The two teams traded leads throughout the rest of the second half, with the score tied 11 times throughout the game. In the end, the game came down to the wire: Down three with seconds left, France’s Gabby Williams had a chance to send the game to overtime, but her beautiful buzzer-beating shot was within the arc and only counted for two points.
The United States fought for that one-point win with everything they had. A’ja Wilson had another massive game, and led the team with 21 points and 13 rebounds while being crucial on the defensive end as well. Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper picked up 12 points each, with Copper also showing up on both ends of the court. Williams led France with 19 points and seven rebounds, and only just fell short of being the hero.
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It was not an easy one by any means, but Team USA outlasts the French to earn gold in a game that went down to the wire. What a thrilling, physical final match — and the United States comes out on top again.
Team USA steps up to the top of the podium, receiving their gold medals. The team, who looked a bit stunned after the tight win, is in much better spirits now. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, the two biggest players for Team USA this tournament, get the biggest cheers. Diana Taurasi gets a big cheer of her own, earning her historic sixth gold.
Team France earns massive cheers from the crowd as they receive their silver medals. The French team still looks disappointed about the loss, but the crowd is still proud of their home team.
Gabby Williams, who scored 19 points, earns the biggest cheer. She is clearly emotional, likely from the close loss, but she will forever be a legend of these Olympics.
Australia, who beat Belgium earlier today, earns bronze. Australia won 85-81 behind a massive 30-point triple-double from Ezi Magbegor. With the win, Australia’s Lauren Jackson earns her fifth Olympic medal, with her first Olympic games back in 2000.
