PARIS (France) - You can book in a blockbuster conclusion to the Olympic Basketball Tournaments Paris 2024 after history was made with France booking appointments with USA for both the men's and women's title games.
On Thursday night, the French men were the first to wrap up a ticket to the Final as they outlasted reigning FIBA Basketball World Cup champions Germany 73-69 in a gripping encounter enjoyed by a packed Bercy Arena.
It's a love letter to our fans and supporters - Gabby Williams (France)
What followed was an Olympic classic as USA edged out Serbia 95-91 in a game for the ages which saw Stephen Curry lead the way with 36 points.
On Friday night, the USA women who are chasing a 10th title coasted to a 85-69 Semi-Finals success against Australia and it was all eyes on France and Belgium to see if the host nation could complete the unique double Final.
And, the fans were treated to another all-time classic as France beat the Cats 81-75 in overtime.
Speaking after the final buzzer, an elated Gabby Williams who dropped 9 points in the extra period spoke of her emotion at what it means for the 2024 Olympic hosts to have both teams competing in the title games.
"I would prefer a game like that than one won by 30 points any day." "These are the moments that you dream of when you are a kid and the ones that you work hard for. I absolutely loved it." "It's game of runs, it's the Olympics and wild stuff happens. You just have to keep a cool head." "It's a love letter to our fans and supporters," said the forward.
"Every gym has been full and the atmosphere has made us want to cry every single game. So it's also a love letter to the country and we are happy that we can give this back to them."
With another electric atmosphere guaranteed and French passion flowing freely from the stands, Williams is asking the locals to back the women's team can beat a USA side that has not lost since 1992.
She declared: "You have to believe if you want to do something special.
"What I love is our connection between us and our love for each other. If anything is going to bring gold, it is going to be that."
FIBA