U.S. Women's Basketball Team Secures Eighth Straight Olympic Gold

PARIS — The U.S. women’s basketball team once again showcased their dominance on the global stage, securing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in a nail-biting 67-66 victory over host nation France. The win extended the U.S. women’s remarkable Olympic winning streak, which began after their last loss in 1992, bringing their total to 61 consecutive victories.

An Unexpectedly Close Contest

The U.S. entered the game as the clear favorite, with oddsmakers giving them a 15.5-point advantage. However, France, buoyed by an enthusiastic home crowd in Bercy Arena, proved to be a much tougher opponent than anticipated. Despite the odds, the French team fought fiercely from start to finish, nearly ending the Americans’ golden streak.

Two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson was the standout player for the U.S., scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Her leadership and resilience were crucial in a game where the Americans faced numerous challenges, including 19 turnovers and a dismal 17% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

The Battle Unfolds

From the start, it was clear that France was determined to give the U.S. team a run for their money. The French defense was relentless, forcing the Americans into mistakes and making every possession a battle. As the game progressed, it became evident that this would not be the comfortable victory many had predicted.

The U.S. struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in shooting from long range. Despite their challenges, they managed to stay ahead, thanks to their experience and the individual brilliance of players like Wilson. But as the fourth quarter approached, the game was still very much in the balance.

A Tense Final Quarter

The final quarter was a tense affair, with both teams exchanging blows in a desperate bid to secure victory. Kahleah Cooper provided a crucial spark for the U.S., giving them a slight edge as the game entered its final minutes. But the French, drawing energy from their passionate supporters, refused to back down.

With just under two minutes remaining, Wilson hit a critical jumper, putting the U.S. ahead by a narrow margin. However, France quickly responded, with Gabby Williams—who led her team with 19 points—hitting a clutch three-pointer that brought them back within striking distance.

The tension in the arena was palpable as the clock ticked down. The U.S. managed to hold on, thanks in part to key defensive plays from Breanna Stewart, who blocked a desperate three-point attempt from Marine Fauthoux. Free throws from Wilson and Kelsey Plum further extended the U.S. lead, but the French were not done yet.

In the final moments, Williams once again stepped up, sinking a shot that initially appeared to be a game-tying three-pointer. However, upon review, it was determined that her foot was on the line, making it a two-point basket. This crucial detail meant that France remained one point behind as the final buzzer sounded.

Heartbreak and Triumph

As the game ended, the U.S. team celebrated another gold medal, while the French players were left to reflect on how close they came to pulling off a historic upset. Williams, who had been France’s standout performer, was visibly devastated, her teammates consoling her as they left the court.

For the U.S., the victory was a testament to their enduring excellence and the strength of their team dynamic. Wilson, who had been the team’s anchor throughout the tournament, spoke about the significance of the win. “The dynasty we’ve built here at USA Basketball has been incredible,” she said. “We believed in each other, and that’s the greatest thing about it.”

A Historic Achievement

The win was particularly special for WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi, who, despite not playing in the final, made history by becoming the first athlete to win six gold medals in any team sport at the Olympics. This achievement surpasses her former U.S. teammate Sue Bird, cementing Taurasi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

The 2024 Olympics also marked a historic first: the gold medal games in both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments featured the same two nations, with France and the U.S. battling it out for supremacy. Like their female counterparts, the U.S. men’s team also emerged victorious, further solidifying the nation’s dominance in the sport.

As the U.S. women’s basketball team celebrated their eighth straight Olympic gold, they did so knowing they had faced one of their toughest challenges yet. The narrow victory over France was a reminder of the ever-growing competition in women’s basketball and the determination of teams around the world to challenge the reigning champions.