The French have been silver medallists 12 years in the past in London and took bronze in Tokyo, however they’ve by no means gained basketball gold. They defied their previous to push the Individuals all the way in which.
Every of their point-scoring pictures resulted in large roars, whereas boos greeted the American free throws.
Crucially, with three seconds on the clock, Copper held her nerve amid the distracting noise to sink each of her free throws, that means Williams’ last-gasp effort was in useless.
“Pay attention, nice gamers present up each time their identify known as. I believe the story of my profession is simply me staying prepared. I am that participant,” stated Copper, whose aspect additionally trailed by 10 factors within the third quarter.
A’ja Wilson completed with a game-high 21 factors, whereas gold for Diana Taurasi has made her the primary athlete to win six basketball golds.
There was additionally an emotional medal for Brittney Griner, who was in tears because the American anthem performed, in her first worldwide event since leaving a Russian jail in a high-profile prisoner change in 2022.
“Having an opportunity to play for gold, signify my nation, for what my nation did for me.
“This one will certainly be extra expensive to my coronary heart than the opposite ones, for positive.”