In a heart-stopping finale to the women’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics, Team USA narrowly defeated France 67-66 on Sunday, clinching their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The victory dashed France’s hopes of delivering a golden climax to their home Games, as the Americans extended their remarkable Olympic winning streak to 61 games—a streak that dates back to 1992.
The high-stakes showdown took place with LeBron James, fresh off the U.S. men’s team’s victory over France the previous day, watching from courtside, his gold medal gleaming as a symbol of American basketball dominance. With this win, the U.S. women completed an Olympic double in basketball, further solidifying their place in history.
“It was a gritty battle, the kind that pushes both teams to their limits,” said U.S. head coach Cheryl Reeve. “We struggled to find our rhythm, especially in transition, but credit to both teams for putting on a defensive masterclass.”
France, undaunted by the American pedigree, took a 10-point lead in the third quarter, seemingly on the verge of pulling off a monumental upset. The French team’s tenacity was encapsulated by Gabby Williams, who nailed a critical three-pointer with just five seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to a single point and leaving the arena buzzing with anticipation.
Williams Near-Miracle Shot Falls Short, U.S. Triumphs Over France
But the drama didn’t end there.
As the final seconds ticked away, Williams launched a desperate shot that banked off the backboard and into the hoop as the buzzer sounded. For a brief moment, it appeared that France had forced overtime. However, after a tense video review, it was determined that Williams’ foot was on the three-point line, making it a two-pointer. The U.S. team erupted in celebration, while the French players were left in stunned disbelief.
“I feel for our players because they gave everything they had,” said French coach Jean-Aimé Toupane. “What they displayed tonight was nothing short of remarkable. It’s tough to lose like this, but that’s the nature of sports.”
The victory not only secured the U.S. women’s place in the annals of Olympic history as the longest-running 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 U.S. finished with 40 gold medals, tying with China but edging them out with a higher silver medal count—44 to China’s 27.
Leading the charge for Team USA was A’ja Wilson, who posted a game-high 21 points, 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 didn’t play in the final, she still made history by earning 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 remarked, “That was a phenomenal game against a tough French team and an incredible crowd. Winning isn’t easy—it takes resilience and the will to push through. Tonight, we found a way, and that’s what counts.”
As the Paris Olympics came to a close, Team USA’s legacy in women’s basketball was firmly intact, with their thrilling victory serving as the perfect conclusion to another chapter of their storied history.
