Thriller final in basketball concluded the Olympic Games

It was a highly dramatic finish at the Olympic Games in Paris. The basketball final between the USA and France was even all the way to the last second, but in the end the USA snatched the gold. It is the country's eighth Olympic gold in a row in women's basketball.

» Updated:

» Published:

Thriller final in basketball concluded the Olympic Games
Photo: Michael Conroy/AP/TT

Share this article

The USA has been completely superior in women's basketball for a very long time. Seven consecutive Olympic Games gold medals and 59 consecutive wins in Olympic Games contexts. Most things spoke in favor of an eighth consecutive Olympic Games gold medal for the basketball-crazy nation. But in this year's final against the host nation France, it became tighter than in a long time.

The women's basketball final was a pure replay of the men's final. In the men's final, it was a very even story that was decided in the fourth and final period.

The women's final was almost exactly the same.

At halftime, the score was completely even, 25–25. The match image was tight, and both teams had their nerves on the outside.

But in the third period, it opened up more. Despite this, no team was able to get away. Instead, it became a giant drama, where the teams exchanged points with each other down to the final seconds.

With only one second left, at the score of 67–64, France made a shot that was precisely on the line for a three-pointer. But the referee immediately showed that it was inside, and therefore a two-pointer.

The USA thus won the final with 67–66, and secured its eighth consecutive Olympic Games gold medal in women's basketball.

The win was not only important for the basketball team itself, but for the entire country's Olympic team. The basketball final was the absolute last sporting event to take place during the Olympic Games in Paris, and the gold medal meant that the USA surpassed China in the total medal count, and thus took first place.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Ståhl Aims to Defend Discus World Title in Tokyo

Ståhl Aims to Defend Discus World Title in Tokyo

Andreas Almgren Aims for Another Medal in Tokyo 5,000 Meters

Andreas Almgren Aims for Another Medal in Tokyo 5,000 Meters

Malmö FF Criticizes New Police Masking Rule as Risky and Counterproductive

Malmö FF Criticizes New Police Masking Rule as Risky and Counterproductive

Norway Surpasses Sweden in FIFA Rankings After Kosovo Defeat

Norway Surpasses Sweden in FIFA Rankings After Kosovo Defeat

Messi Reportedly Extends Inter Miami Contract Beyond 2026

Messi Reportedly Extends Inter Miami Contract Beyond 2026

Björn Borg Criticizes Jannik Sinner for Rehiring Physical Trainer

Björn Borg Criticizes Jannik Sinner for Rehiring Physical Trainer

Son Heung-Min Shines with Hat-Trick for Los Angeles FC in MLS

Son Heung-Min Shines with Hat-Trick for Los Angeles FC in MLS

Björn Borg Discusses Life After Tennis and New Autobiography

Björn Borg Discusses Life After Tennis and New Autobiography

FIA President Open to Russia's Return as Formula 1 Host

FIA President Open to Russia's Return as Formula 1 Host

Olympic Bronze Medalist Fred Kerley to Compete in Enhanced Games

Olympic Bronze Medalist Fred Kerley to Compete in Enhanced Games

Simeone Calls for Better Protection for Coaches After Outburst

Simeone Calls for Better Protection for Coaches After Outburst

Mikael Backlund Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Calgary Flames

Mikael Backlund Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Calgary Flames

Amo HK Stuns Sävehof for First Victory in Five Years

Amo HK Stuns Sävehof for First Victory in Five Years

Bodø/Glimt Secures Draw in Champions League Debut Against Slavia Prague

Bodø/Glimt Secures Draw in Champions League Debut Against Slavia Prague

Isak Debuts for Liverpool in 3-2 Champions League Win Over Atlético

Isak Debuts for Liverpool in 3-2 Champions League Win Over Atlético

Västerås IK Names Six Captains for Upcoming Hockey Allsvenskan Season

Västerås IK Names Six Captains for Upcoming Hockey Allsvenskan Season

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m