Team USA Clinches Eighth Straight Olympic Gold With Win Over France

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Team USA secured their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's basketball by defeating France in a thrilling final. This victory came after the men's team, led by LeBron James, also won gold against the hosts with a score of 98-87. The women's team faced a tough challenge from France, trailing by 10 points midway through the third quarter due to several turnovers.

France, led by American-born Gabby Williams, put up a strong fight in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Williams, a former WNBA first-round draft pick, scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite their efforts, Team USA managed to regain the lead by the start of the fourth quarter.

The game remained tight until the final moments. Marine Fauthoux's two free throws put France ahead 53-51 with five minutes left. However, Team USA found their rhythm again and took the lead for good when Kahleah Copper made two crucial free throws with just five seconds remaining on the clock.

In a dramatic finish, France thought they had forced overtime when Williams sank what appeared to be a game-tying three-pointer. However, replays showed her foot was inside the arc, resulting in a 67-66 defeat for France. This narrow victory was witnessed by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The win not only extended Team USA's dominance in women's basketball but also ensured they topped the overall medal table at Paris 2024. The United States matched China's haul of 40 golds but surpassed them with a total of 126 medals compared to China's 91.

Australia's Bronze Medal

Earlier on Sunday, Australia secured their first podium finish in women's basketball since London 2012 by defeating Belgium 85-81 in the bronze-medal match. This victory marked Australia's return to the podium after beating Russia for third place twelve years ago.

The Paris Games saw intense competition and memorable moments across various sports. Team USA's performance in both men's and women's basketball highlighted their continued excellence on the global stage.

The United States' success at Paris 2024 underscores their athletic prowess and commitment to maintaining their position as a leading force in international sports competitions.