11 August 2024, Paris. In the women’s basketball final on Sunday, the United States defeated France in a thrilling 67-66 victory that denied the hosts the golden finale to the Paris Games that appeared to be within their grasp. The victory marked the United States’ remarkable eighth consecutive Olympic title.
Before extending the Americans’ remarkable run of eight consecutive Olympic gold medals, the US women’s basketball team faced its most difficult task in 32 years. A’ja Wilson led them to another victory at the Paris Games on Sunday.
With 21 points from Wilson and a last-second basket by former UConn star Gabby Williams that was just in the 3-point range, the United States held off France to win 67-66.
“It’s amazing. It truly is a dynasty that we have built here at USAB has been incredible and I am so proud of the resilience that my team showed. We could have fumbled it many times, but we pulled through. To say I am a two-time gold medalist, I am so blessed.” Wilson said.
Kahleah Copper made two free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining to put the Americans up, 67-64. Williams received the ball from Marine Johannes up the court, and she caught it just inside the 3-point line before banked it in over Breanna Stewart’s outstretched arms for the game-winning basket.
U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve said, “What a tremendous basketball game. The 12,000 plus that were here were just treated to an unbelievable environment and the level of athleticism and competitiveness that these players had,” “What a better way to finish the Paris Olympics than to see that, We feel really fortunate, happy. There’s a lot of trust that has to happen, so I’m just thrilled that we’re able to get a win.”
