The French were silver medallists 12 years ago in London and took bronze in Tokyo, but they have never won basketball gold. They defied their past to push the Americans all the way.
Each of their point-scoring shots resulted in huge roars, while boos greeted the American free throws.
Crucially, with three seconds on the clock, Copper held her nerve amid the distracting noise to sink both of her free throws, meaning Williams’ last-gasp effort was in vain.
“Listen, great players show up whenever their name is called. I think the story of my career is just me staying ready. I’m that player,” said Copper, whose side also trailed by 10 points in the third quarter.
A’ja Wilson finished with a game-high 21 points, while gold for Diana Taurasi has made her the first athlete to win six basketball golds.
There was also an emotional medal for Brittney Griner, who was in tears as the American anthem played, in her first international tournament since leaving a Russian prison in a high-profile prisoner exchange in 2022.
“Having a chance to play for gold, represent my country, for what my country did for me.
“This one will definitely be more dear to my heart than the other ones, for sure.
