It was a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics medal game, but the US Women’s Basketball team took care of business and claimed the gold medal in the Women’s 5×5 Basketball Tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unlike their male counterparts, the US women needed a bit of luck to secure the gold, as Gabby Williams’ buzzer-beating shot was just inches inside the three-point line, potentially sending the game to overtime.
UNBELIEVABLE ENDING IN PARIS. 😱
Gabby Williams banked it in at the buzzer but her FOOT WAS ON THE THREE-POINT LINE. TEAM USA WINS BY A SINGLE POINT.#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/DJI7YxfVMl
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024
A’ja Wilson led the team with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Wilson also took have the MVP awards for the tournament. Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum contributed 12 points apiece, both going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
THE MVP OF #Paris2024 Women's #Basketball ⭐️
A'ja Wilson, United States of America 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/9HN4a7tDWH
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 11, 2024
After clawing back from a 10-point deficit early in the third quarter, France kept the game close. However, Kelsey Plum’s offense and the team’s defense in the fourth quarter created a 3-point lead, ultimately securing the gold medal.
See you LAter, @Olympics.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT x @LA28 pic.twitter.com/PDoXcvDyi8
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
🗣️ Drop the stairs medal flick 🫡🇺🇸 #USABWNT pic.twitter.com/w6Njn99Ngv
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
It's a femininomenon 🥇 pic.twitter.com/sxpBXsgPa5
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
This is your moment
Take a bow, BG 🥇🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tYNzhtdSm4
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
Now vs Then 🥇🥇 @_ajawilson22 pic.twitter.com/voU7my94yG
— Stewie (@breannastewart) August 11, 2024
The most decorated Olympic basketball player EVER 🐐 pic.twitter.com/oo28Vg8Zhk
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
Job Finished.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT
pic.twitter.com/ZID0UIyv0q— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 11, 2024
Gabby Williams led France with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Valeriane Ayayi and Marine Johannes added 9 points each, but no other French player scored more than 8 points. Fast break points (6-15), points in the paint (20-30), and bench points (20-29) were significant factors in France’s defeat.
Game stats;
Just like with the men’s basketball team, the United States and France could become regular rivals in Olympic women’s basketball medal games.