The United States women’s national basketball team secured their fifth world title by defeating France 97-79 in the tournament final. Head-coached by Kara Lawson, the American squad overcame a halftime deficit to dominate the second half, finishing the tournament with an unblemished record.
How the US Overcame France in the Final
France challenged the American defense throughout the first half, utilizing strong performances from players like Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga to exploit defensive gaps and build early momentum. France held advantages in organization and execution during the opening two quarters, leaving the US trailing by two points at halftime.
The dynamic shifted dramatically in the third quarter when the US team outscored France 30-12. The American offense shot 56 percent from the field overall, including 62 percent on two-point attempts and 42 percent from three-point range. Breanna Stewart led the effort with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and a team-high efficiency valuation of 30.
Key Player Performances and Statistics
Alongside Stewart, several American players delivered double-digit scoring performances to pull away from France in the second half. Jackie Young contributed 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Kahleah Cooper added 15 points. Caitlin Clark and Chelsea Gray chipped in 12 points each, with Gray also handing out 5 assists.
For France, Dominique Malonga led her squad with 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Gabby Williams added 20 points and 7 assists. Despite their strong first-half showing, the French offense struggled against increased defensive pressure after the break, committing critical turnovers that fueled American transition scoring.
Historical Context and Defensive Comparison
The final scoreline of 97-79 underscored the offensive explosion of the US team in the closing minutes, though defensive metrics from earlier in the tournament highlight unique challenges faced by the champions. The Italian national team coached by Capobianco held the US to their lowest point total of the competition, suffering a narrow three-point margin of defeat that stood as the closest game against the American side in the global showcase.
With this victory, the US program adds another gold medal to its historic run in international competition. The team combined sharp perimeter shooting with a 38-25 rebounding advantage and 21 total team assists to put the game out of reach before the final buzzer.