PARIS — The French word for “miracle” would have translated to “disaster” for the U.S. women’s basketball team on Sunday.
But the Americans’ eighth consecutive gold medal will be a memorable one because the virtually unbeatable global power won, literally, by inches.
The U.S. survived a serious and stunning test from France by a 67-66 margin, and only because Gabby Williams‘ heave at the buzzer that banked in, a possible shot for the ages, was taken with her foot on the 3-point line, denying the home team a chance at overtime.
It left an odd, anticlimactic vibe inside Bercy Arena. France had achieved a remarkable feat by pressing the U.S. to the max in a once-in-a-lifetime moment but came up empty, while Team USA was left to feel relief much more than accomplishment.
But in the end, the U.S. captured its 61st consecutive Olympic win and eighth straight gold medal. It also marked the sixth career gold for Diana Taurasi.
The Americans made five clutch free throws in the final seconds that saved the game. Kahleah Copper, who was one of the heroes of the day, made the winning ones with three seconds left,…
