France were denied another Olympic gold – and the chance to go third in the Paris 2024 medal table – by a dramatic sudden-death defeat by the Netherlands in the men’s 3×3 basketball final.
The hosts had to settle for silver after a last-gasp 18-17 loss which deflated a passionate home crowd at La Concorde.
France forced extra time after fighting back to level at 16-16 towards the end of the 10-minute match.
Timothe Vergiat put France ahead but, 10 seconds later, Worthy de Jong beat the buzzer with a two-pointer which denied the host nation a 13th gold of the Games.
It would have put them above Australia having won a total of 45 medals.
Earlier on Monday, Lithuania won bronze after beating Baltic neighbours Latvia 21-18.
Defending champions Latvia were backed by vociferous support, but denied a first medal of Paris 2024.
Lithuania won after a flurry of late free throws, sparking jubilant celebrations on the court and their flag-waving compatriots in the stands.
In the women’s event, Germany nabbed gold after fighting back to beat Spain.
Germany rallied to win 17-16 as Sonja Greinacher landed a late two-pointer to tip the balance in their favour.
The United States, who were favourites to defend their title coming into the Games, had to settle for bronze.
A tight battle against neighbours Canada ended 16-13 in the favour of the Americans.
