PARIS – The French word for “miracle” could have meant “catastrophe” for the U.S. women’s basketball team on Sunday.

But the eighth gold medal in a row for the Americans will remain unforgettable, because the virtually unbeatable world power won by a hair’s breadth in the truest sense of the word.

The USA survived a tough and surprising test against France with a 67-66 lead, and that only because Gabby Williams, with the final siren, kicked the ball, which could have been a shot for the ages, at the 3-point line, denying the home team a chance at overtime.

It left a strange, disappointing mood in the Bercy Arena. France had pulled off a remarkable feat, pushing the United States to the limit in a once-in-a-lifetime moment, but came away empty-handed, while Team USA felt more relief than success.

But in the end, the USA won its 61st Olympic gold medal in a row and its eighth gold medal in a row. For Diana Taurasi, it was also the sixth gold medal of her career.

“I think everyone always thinks that these games are easy in the end because we win gold medals. But a game in France against a French team that we know what level they are,” said Taurasi, who did not play in the game. “I’ve been lucky to be around some of the best players of all time. When I was younger, some of my idols were in the midfield with my opponents, and now to see these young guys go out there and get that gold medal, that takes a lot of luck and a lot of hard work.”

The women’s basketball final was the last medal awarded at the Games, giving the United States its 40th gold medal in Paris and tying China for the most gold medals. The Americans led all nations with a total of 126 medals, while China was second with 91 medals.

“I saw the medal table beforehand,” said Cheryl Reeve, coach of the US team. “I thought, ‘This is what we need, more pressure.'”

The Americans scored five crucial free throws in the final seconds to save the game. Kahleah Copper, one of the heroes of the day, scored the decisive free throws with three seconds left to cap a performance of twelve points and five rebounds that Team USA desperately needed on this unusual day.

“Great players show up whenever their name is called,” said Copper, who at times hasn’t played a major role in the Olympics. “I think the story of my career is just that I was ready, I took the prep meetings, the opportunity and then I just went from there. I think I’m just that player, whenever my name is called, I’m going to go out there and give it everything I’ve got.”

France had led by as many as 10 points in the third quarter before Team USA, which was clearly out of form, caught up.

A’ja Wilson was the best player, scoring 21 points with 13 rebounds and four blocks. She was the heart of the offense in the second half. After sinking two of nine shots in the first half, she hit four of five shots and seven free throws in the second half.

Wilson was named the Most Valuable Player of the Olympics, averaging 18.7 points and 10.2 assists in the six games.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game, but it was one where you have to grind through sometimes and I think we did that pretty well,” Wilson said. “It was an electric atmosphere. I think everyone sitting here felt that. It was great to play in.”

Kelsey Plum also played an important role as a substitute, scoring 12 points and making four crucial free throws in the final period. Breanna Stewart struggled on offense, hitting just 2 of 8 shots, but with 20 seconds left she made a crucial blocked shot that helped the USA keep the lead.

The game was strangely – and probably uncomfortable for the Americans – invigorating, as the odds-on favorite struggled with a very rare moment: a victory that was seriously in doubt.

The U.S. national team hasn’t had that feeling at the Olympics in years, and certainly not in France this summer, despite suffering a loss to the WNBA All-Stars in Phoenix last month.

France played the aggressive and physical defense that the law allowed. Player after player, they showed tremendous energy by moving their feet, swinging their arms and generally harassing the Americans. The pressure on the perimeter unsettled Team USA, which normally moves with an enviable freedom in its offense.

The French game plan is one of those concepts that sounds good in the scouting report – making the opponent “sense” you – but is rarely implemented in practice. This case was an outlier. The French effort and resilience were admirable and effective.

The best players in the world were pushed out of their comfort zone. This was reflected in sloppy and inaccurate passes, misdribbling and mistakes.

The USA had an average of 14.8 turnovers in the first five games of the tournament, and by halftime on Sunday that figure had already risen to 15.

As the tough possessions became more frequent, the US team’s confidence began to wane. It led to uncertain decisions and missed shots from close range. At some point, the US team lost its typical dominant position.

All the energy France put into defense seemed to spill over into offense, and the U.S. struggled to regain control on every possession. France made just 32% of its shots and 7 of 36 three-pointers.

Williams, who played for five years in the WNBA for Chicago and Seattle, led the French team with 19 points. But not 20, which is what they needed.

“I was behind (Williams), so I saw it was a 2-point shot,” Copper said. “No stress for me. I don’t know what’s going on with the guys on the bench, though.”