PARIS (France) - Red-hot favorites USA will look to add to their eye-popping golden legacy when they step out for the Final at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 against a host nation dreaming of making history.
Unbeaten since 1992, that underlines the scale of the task facing France in what is a repeat of the title game at London 2012.
But this time, France will be backed by a raucous and passionate home support that have played their role in propelling their team to the edge of glory.
Making that gigantic leap and creating history is another thing and will take a monumental effort against a USA team that have not missed a beat since the first jump ball in Lille.
And what about Diana Taurasi? An astonishing 6th gold medal awaits. Truly incredible.
Key matchup
Gabby Williams vs Breanna Stewart
It remains to be seen if they will matchup directly at any point, but regardless, both players are very much the driving forces for their respective teams.
Williams was sensational in overtime against Belgium with 9 points to make sure France made it across the line. That has been the trend throughout, the forward leading by example for the hosts.
It feels Stewart has been waiting for this moment to wrap things up for USA. Sure, she has put in some exceptional numbers, but if needed in crunch time and the game is a closer one that many expect, then you know that USA will dial Stewie in to be the deal-breaker.
X-factor
Will France match their physicality with upgraded shooting numbers?
The stars really will have to align if underdogs France want to end this amazing winning streak of USA that has lasted for 32 years. The good news is that since day one, the chat in Lille and Paris has been that physically, France are best equipped to stand toe-to-toe with the reigning champions.
Both in terms of their athletic capabilities and size, as well as their depth, which is arguably second behind the USA.
That will go a long way to possibly keeping competitive and staying in contention until the last quarter which will be a target. After this, anything can be possible.
However, another thing that must line up to make the fairytale happen is France making their shots. They had an 0-7 start from downtown in the Semi-Finals and it almost cost them. Yes, it's a simple and obvious 'X-Factor' but you will not get that many offensive boards or second chance points against USA, so making open looks (or not) will be a major difference-maker.
Stats don't lie
One big positive from the French perspective is that they have been deadly and ruthless in punishing errors.
They are averaging a massive 23.4 points off turnovers which is even better than USA at 19.4 - providing hope that if they can get a squeeze on USA's guards, they might get some production from this source.
USA are close to unstoppable in the paint and have averaged a brilliant 48 per game, helped by a 57.2 percent from two-point range. It means that France really do need to demonstrate their physical prowess in a big way to neutralize that threat.
Past matchups
One of the oldest matchups in women's basketball history, both have been leading nations for so many decades and it's 10 wins from 11 clashes for USA.
Yes, France do have a victory to their name, although you have to hit that rewind button all the way back to the Preliminary Phase of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in 1971.
The most recent meeting came at Tokyo 2020 in the Group phase when USA won 93-82 in a super competitive match up.
In the Final at London 2012, USA put on their best face and cruised to an 86-50 in the British capital.
FIBA