On the evening of August 11, the Olympic women’s basketball gold medal match saw the host team, France, facing off against the USA.
The first quarter began with Stewart hitting a turnaround jump shot, followed by Wilson scoring with a layup, giving the USA a 4-0 lead. Soon after, Williams hit a three-pointer and then scored another layup, allowing France to overtake the USA 5-4. Following this, Stewart made both free throws, and both teams entered a phase of consecutive misses. Wilson made one of two free throws, as did Collier, while Plum made both of hers. France struggled with shooting and committed frequent fouls, while the USA also had their share of turnovers. In the final two minutes, Johannes hit a fadeaway jump shot, Thomas made one of two free throws, and Johannes continued to score with a driving layup. Griner added points with consecutive turnaround jump shots, and the first quarter ended with the USA leading France 15-9.
In the second quarter, Cooper scored with a driving layup, followed by Charteaux and Lacan each making layups. The score was 17-13 in favor of the USA. Subsequently, Williams scored from a three-point play, Jackie Young hit a jump shot, and Charteaux scored again. Wilson made one of two free throws, leaving France trailing by 2 points at 18-20. In the latter half of the quarter, Ayayi hit a fadeaway jump shot, Stewart made one of two free throws, Wilson hit a jump shot, and Fauthoux scored from a three-point jump shot, leveling the score at 23-23. After a timeout, Sauren scored a jump shot, putting France in the lead. At the buzzer, Collier made a putback, ending the second quarter with the score tied at 25-25.
In the third quarter, Ayayi hit a jump shot, followed by Fauthoux adding another two points. Ayayi then scored from a three-point jump shot, prompting an early timeout for the USA, who were down 7-0. Upon resuming, Badiane made both free throws, Plum stopped the bleeding with a three-pointer, and Wilson scored with a driving layup. France called a timeout with the score at 35-30. Post-timeout, Plum hit another three-pointer, Lacan scored a 2+1, followed by Wilson making both free throws and then scoring another layup. Collier also scored a layup, putting the USA ahead 41-40. In the final stages, Collier scored another layup, Johannes hit a three-point jump shot, and Wilson made her final two free throws. The third quarter ended with France trailing the USA 43-45.
In the decisive fourth quarter, both teams initially struggled to score. After a minute and a half, Bedienn hit a mid-range shot, Cooper made both free throws, and Bedienn scored with a layup, drawing a foul. Both teams remained locked in a tight contest. Wilson then scored a strong shot, Ayayi drew a foul and made both free throws, and Bedienn scored against Jonescu’s defense. Wilson made both free throws, tying the game at 51-51. With five minutes remaining, Cooper and Williams each scored layups. Wilson’s jump shot helped the USA take the lead. Rupert missed an open three-pointer, leaving the USA up by 3 points. Williams drew a foul and made both free throws, Plum also made both of hers. Williams narrowed the gap with a jump shot, and Cooper scored another layup. Williams’ three-point attempt missed, and Fauthoux’s attempt to tie the game also fell short. Wilson stepped to the line and made one of two free throws. During France’s offensive possession, the USA employed a foul strategy, and Johannes made both free throws. With a two-point deficit, France fouled Plum, who made both free throws. Williams hit a three-pointer, reducing the gap to one point, and Cooper made both free throws. Williams scored a buzzer-beating two-point shot on the baseline.
Ultimately, the USA won 67-66 against France.
Player Statistics
France: Williams 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals; Johannes 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Ayayi 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Fauthoux 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Badiane 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Lacan 7 points, 1 steal; Charteaux 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist; Sauren 2 points, 6 rebounds; Rupert 4 rebounds; Michel 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals; Bernies 1 rebound; Malonga 1 rebound, 1 assist;
USA: Wilson 21 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal; Cooper 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Plum 12 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists; Stewart 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Collier 7 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal; Griner 4 points, 2 rebounds; Young 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Thomas 1 point, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Gray 1 rebound, 4 assists; Jonescu 2 rebounds, 3 assists;
Starting Lineups
France: Ayayi, Bedienn, Fauthoux, Sauren, Williams
USA: Collier, Gray, Stewart, Welch, Young