Victor Wembanyama, still reeling from France’s loss to Team USA in the men’s basketball final, found a measure of solace as he cheered on the French women’s team in their Olympic showdown against the Americans. The night before, Wembanyama had been the star for France, leading his team with a game-high 26 points in a hard-fought battle. Despite their efforts, the French men couldn’t overcome the Americans, falling short by 11 points. But now, Wembanyama was courtside, hoping to see the women’s team achieve what he and his teammates could not: a victory over Team USA.
Marine Fauthoux Shines as French Women’s Team Rises with Home Crowd Support
The French women’s team, powered by an energized home crowd, looked determined to deliver. Marine Fauthoux, in particular, emerged as a key figure in the game. In the third quarter, with France holding a narrow lead, Fauthoux drained a spectacular three-pointer that sent the arena into a frenzy. The shot not only expanded France’s lead but also lifted the spirits of Wembanyama and the French supporters, offering a moment of redemption after the men’s team’s disappointing result.
France’s women displayed formidable defense, forcing 12 turnovers from Team USA with five minutes left in the second quarter, and at times looked poised to avenge the men’s loss. Wembanyama, visibly engaged and emotionally invested in the game, celebrated every French success on the court, particularly when France stretched their lead to 10 points in the third quarter.
However, the joy was fleeting. Team USA, known for their resilience, clawed their way back into the game in the final minutes. A series of costly errors by France, including fouls that led to crucial free throws, allowed the Americans to erase the deficit and take a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter. It was a scene eerily reminiscent of the previous night’s men’s final, where a late-game surge by the U.S. sealed France’s fate.
Gabby Williams, refusing to let the game slip away, delivered a clutch two-point shot that brought France within one point of the Americans. Her 19-point performance was the highlight for France, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Had she been a step further back, the shot could have tied the game and possibly sent it into overtime, giving France another chance at victory.
In the end, both the French men’s and women’s basketball teams had to settle for silver. For Wembanyama, the disappointment was palpable, as he had hoped to see the women’s team succeed where the men had fallen short. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the French teams demonstrated incredible determination and skill, leaving their mark on the tournament and earning the admiration of their fans.
