U.S. women capture eighth consecutive basketball gold medal

PARIS — Two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson scored 21 points as the United States survived — by inches — and topped an inspired French team, 67-66 for America’s eighth straight Olympic gold medal.

In a frantic final sequence with the U.S. up, 67-64, France’s Gabby Williams hoisted a desperation jumper over the outstretched arm of Breanna Stewart that banked in at the buzzer.

Officials had immediately pointed toward the floor, signaling for a 2-point shot because Williams foot was on the 3-point arc. The refs huddled to confirm, even if it broke the hearts of France and packed house at Bercy Arena.

“I was trailing the play, but I could definitely see it was a 2 (-point shot), so I had no concern at all,” said Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper, who hit — what turned out be — two incredibly important free throws before Williams’ heave.

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.”

Despite this, the French made clear they were a formidable opponent, employing a tenacious defense that nearly broke the U.S. women’s golden streak.

The Americans struggled with 19 turnovers while going cold from beyond the arc, shooting just 17% from distance.

The tournament’s two best defensive made points a premium all day long.

“It was ugly for a reason,” U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve said. “We both made it hard for each other. And you know, we had to go through some real gut check moments.”

Drawing enthusiasm from their hometown crowd, the determined French stayed close despite some fourth-quarter moments when the Americans were about to pull away.

Stewart made a free throw to give America a 56-55 lead with 3:45 left before Wilson extended the lead to 58-55 with 3:11.

The reigning WNBA MVP Stewart then blocked a desperate 3-point try from Marine Fauthoux which seemed to have ended it.

But the French hung around and the game ended on the former Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm forward Williams’ final shot.

Williams — a former UConn star who led France with 19 points — was inconsolable after the heartbreaking loss as teammates helped her off the Bercy Arena floor.

Wilson, a six-time WNBA All-Star, proved herself as the U.S. team’s anchor and most versatile player, adding 13 rebounds and 4 blocked shots to go with her scoring.

“The dynasty we’ve built here at USA Basketball has been incredible,” Wilson said. “We believed in each other, and that’s the greatest thing about it.”

With the win, WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi, who did not play in the final, became the first athlete in Olympic history to win six gold medals in any team sport, surpassing former U.S. teammate Sue Bird.

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 put up a determined fight. Nevertheless, Team USA upheld its international dominance in basketball.

David K. Li reported from Paris and Susan Baek reported from New York.