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In a heart-stopping finale to the 2024 Paris Olympics Women’s Basketball Tournament, the U.S. women’s basketball team clinched their eighth consecutive gold medal with a dramatic 67-66 win over France. The margin between victory and overtime was decided by mere inches, as France’s Gabby Williams appeared to have tied the game with a stunning running bank shot at the buzzer. However, a replay revealed her foot was on the line, sealing the win for Team USA.

A’ja Wilson was the driving force behind the U.S. victory, delivering an outstanding performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Despite trailing by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, the U.S. showed resilience and determination, battling back in a game where every basket was hard-fought. This was the first time the U.S. faced a true challenge in Paris, but they responded with the grit and composure that has defined their golden streak, extending their Olympic winning streak to an incredible 61 games.

USA Basketball

Williams was the standout for Les Bleus, leading her team with 19 points and keeping France in the contest until the final seconds. Despite her efforts, her last-second shot, which could have sent the game into overtime, was ruled a two-pointer instead of a three due to her foot being on the line, a heartbreaking moment for the French team and their fans.

The game was a thriller from start to finish, with the fourth quarter alone featuring six ties and six lead changes. France responded to every U.S. run, and with just over five minutes remaining, they held a two-point lead. However, Team USA’s Kahleah Copper came through in the clutch, scoring four consecutive points to put her team back on top. Wilson then added a circus shot to extend the lead to three.

USA Basketball

It appeared that the U.S. had secured the win when Kelsey Plum made two free throws, giving them a 65-61 lead with only 11 seconds left. But Williams refused to let France go quietly, quickly hitting a three-pointer to keep the game alive. After two more free throws by the U.S., Williams launched a desperate heave that almost forced overtime, but her foot on the line turned what could have been a game-tying shot into a bittersweet two-pointer.

The victory marked yet another chapter in the storied legacy of the U.S. women’s basketball team, who have dominated the Olympic stage for over two decades. For France, it was a valiant effort that fell just short, but they proved to be formidable opponents, pushing the Americans to their limit in a gold medal game that will be remembered for years to come.

 

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