USA Repel France for Eighth Consecutive Women’s Olympic Basketball Gold
The USA women’s basketball team cemented its reign in the sport by claiming a record eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal after edging France 67-66 in an electrifying final at Paris 2024. With that, the team prolonged the victory run in Olympic competition to 61 games, further solidifying their position as the most influential and dominant force in women’s basketball.
A Dramatic Finale
In a hard-fought and at times nail-biter of a game, A’ja Wilson stole the show with a game-high 21 points, adding 13 rebounds and four blocks to her résumé. It ended with a bit of drama, as France’s Gabby Williams heaved a three-point buzzer-beater that would have sent the game into overtime. Her foot was on the line when she let it go, though, so it only counted for two. The small victory margin kept the fans on the edge of their seats.
Talking after the match, an elated Wilson said her team was just “resilient in what we needed to do.” She played a key role toward the end to help the U.S. keep their lead.
Key Contributions from Teammates
Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper chipped in nicely with 12 points apiece off the bench to keep the United States ahead, especially at clutch times when France seemed to want to wrest the game from them.
France answered back with a sterling challenge, led by Williams with 19 points, and as the competitive team they are, they showed just that. Williams admitted knowing right away that her last-second shot wasn’t enough to win the game, saying, “I knew straight away it was two points but I was going quickly. It was hard to stop.”
A Game of Runs
The game tipped off rather slowly for both teams, especially France, as they only had nine points in the first quarter. The U.S. held a slim six-point advantage after the first quarter. In the second quarter, France seemed to mount a comeback as Williams nailed a three-pointer that brought the deficit down to a single point.
A spectacular midcourt three-pointer at the buzzer by Marine Fauthoux electrified the crowd, and teams went to the locker room knotted at 25-25. The see-saw affair continued into the second half as neither team could build much separation. France scored the first 10 points of the third quarter but the U.S. had a run of its own to take a 45-43 edge to the final quarter.
Clutch Moments Define Game
As the final quarter unfolded, Wilson started getting into rhythm, scoring baskets that kept the U.S. in contention. However, France matched the efforts many times, and Marieme Badiane’s layup gave France a short-lived 51-49 lead. The battle remained tight, with both teams coming up clutch.
The U.S. regained a small advantage with just two minutes left, thanks to the fact that Wilson hit some big shots. The contest had become a battle of nerves during this period. Still, France had a final chance at three behind with seconds left, but Fauthoux hurriedly fired off a shot that never went in.
In the final seconds of play, Copper made two free throws to stretch the U.S. advantage to the final margin. Williams heaved a long three-ball at the buzzer in an effort to mount a miraculous comeback, but it fell short, and the buzzer sounded, securing the win for the United States.
Celebrating the Win
I just think that’s an absolutely incredible basketball game,” said Cheryl Reeve, the U.S. coach, after the match, in praise of effort and spirit displayed by both teams: “Two teams that left it all out there.” For a veteran player like Diana Taurasi, this was more special as she made a record with her sixth Olympic gold medal, leaving Sue Bird behind.
-LeBron James, fresh from his gold-medal victory with the men’s team the day before, was on hand to cheer on the women’s, further driving home the point that the Americans have each other’s backs here at the Olympics.
Final Thoughts
This win in Paris sees another line etched onto the epitaph of the women’s legacy for the U.S. basketball team. Their astounding record of eight consecutive Olympic gold medals shows their dedication to the sport and the hard work and skill involved in each win. In their joy over this victory, the team does not forget the great challenge from France, a rivalry that is only brewing for the future. This win is special in that the U.S. will not only cement themselves in Olympic history but also put themselves in a position where future generations of women’s basketball players can strive for greatness.
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