A’ja Wilson scored 21 points to lead the USA Women’s Team to a narrow 67-66 victory over France in the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics. This win marked the USA’s 8th consecutive Olympic gold in women’s basketball and their 10th overall in 17 appearances.
Wilson shot 6-of-14 from the field, 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, and added 13 rebounds and 3 turnovers. Kelsey Plum contributed 12 points and 4 assists, while Kahlea Copper also scored 12 points, including crucial free throws to secure the win. Diana Taurasi, who did not play in the final, concluded her Olympic career with her 5th appearance at age 43.
For France, Gabby Williams scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, but no other player reached double digits. Williams hit a mid-range jumper to bring France within 59-60 with 92 seconds remaining, but missed a critical 3-point attempt. Wilson secured the win by making a free throw after Breanna Stewart blocked Marine Fauthoux’s 3-point shot. Despite a contested long-range shot from Williams at the buzzer being counted as a 2-pointer because her foot was on the line, the USA held on for the victory.
Australia won the bronze medal, defeating Belgium 85-81, with Ezi Magbegor scoring 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
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