Paris, France — In a thrilling climax at the Paris Olympics, Germany clinched the gold medal in women’s 3×3 basketball, narrowly defeating Spain 17-16 on Monday night. The decisive moment came when Sonja Greinacher sank a crucial 2-pointer with just 30 seconds remaining, breaking a deadlock and propelling her team to victory.
Spain had gained momentum late in the game, with Juana Camilion orchestrating a 3-1 run that put her team ahead 15-13 with two minutes left on the clock. Unfazed, Germany responded swiftly as Elisa Mevius and Marie Reichert scored back-to-back baskets, leveling the score at 15-15 with 90 seconds to go.
Greinacher’s long-range shot sent waves of excitement through the German fans, including NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, who was present to support his home country. Despite Camilion narrowing the gap with a basket for Spain, and an untimely German turnover giving Spain a final opportunity, Gracia Alonso’s buzzer-beater fell short, sealing the gold for Germany.
Nowitzki celebrated passionately, raising his arms in triumph as Greinacher’s shot found the net. On the other side, Spain drew inspiration from the presence of King Felipe VI and basketball legend Pau Gasol, but their support wasn’t enough to secure the win. Camilion finished with six points, while Alonso contributed five.
In the battle for bronze, the defending champions USA overcame Canada with a 16-13 victory. Hailey Van Lith led the American team with six points. The USA team showcased resilience throughout the tournament, rallying from an initial 0-3 start to win five consecutive games before falling to Spain 18-16 in an overtime semifinal earlier on Monday.
The women’s 3×3 basketball tournament highlighted the sport’s growing global appeal, delivering intense competition and showcasing remarkable talent. Germany’s historic win not only underscores their emergence on the international stage but also adds a new chapter to the nation’s rich sports legacy.
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Germany beat Spain to win women's 3×3 basketball gold at Paris Games
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