PARIS — Two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson scored 21 points as the United States survived an unexpectedly close contest from host France, winning 67-66 for their eighth straight Olympic gold medal in women’s basketball on Sunday.
The U.S. women last lost in Olympic play when they failed to bring home gold in 1992. The Americans brought a 60-game winning streak into Bercy Arena on Sunday.
So not surprisingly the Americans were a 15.5-point favorite, even with a capacity audience filling up the gym with cries of “Allez les bleus.”
After much of the game going neck-and-neck, an ice-cold jumper from A’ja Wilson gave the U.S. a narrow lead with just under two minutes remaining. Kahleah Copper erupted for eight points in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart delivered a defensive masterclass, combining with Wilson for six blocks and helping the team hold off the French in the final minute.
But the French, drawing enthusiasm from its hometown crowd, would not go away.
Even after Stewart blocked a desperate 3-point try from Marine Fauthoux and both Wilson and Kelsey Plum sank free throws, former Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams pulled off a clutch three, sending the French back into contention.
But after France drew a foul and Cooper made both free throws, a last-minute shot by Williams was not enough. Her foot was over the 3-point line, meaning the basket would not tie the game as the buzzer sounded.
Williams — who led her team with 19 points — was inconsolable after the heartbreaking loss as teammates helped her off the Bercy Arena floor.
For the first time in Olympic history, the gold medal games in both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments were between the same nations. As they did in the men’s final on Saturday, host France didn’t go down without a fierce fight. But despite France’s valiant efforts, Team USA upholds its international dominance in basketball.
David K. Li reported from Paris and Susan Baek reported from New York.
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