IN PHOTOS: 3x champ Dawn Staley sits beside NBA star Dirk Nowitzki for women's basketball’s gold medal matchup in the Olympics

The South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley witnessed a thrilling showdown at the Bercy Arena. Team USA Women's Basketball clinched their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, edging out France 67-66 in a nail-biting final on August 11.

Staley, who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, found herself sitting beside NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, who played as a power forward for the Dallas Mavericks from 1998 to 2019. Have a look:

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Staley besides Dirk Nowitzki [IG/@gqsports]

Several other stars were present at the Olympics final, including LeBron James, Megan Rapinoe and her partner Sue Bird, Lakers legend Paul Gasol and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.

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The matchup was a rollercoaster, with both teams battling to the wire. France had a chance to steal the victory in the final seconds, but Breanna Stewart’s crucial block on Marine Fauthoux kept the USA in control.

The game was so intense that even when Gabby Williams hit a buzzer-beater, the celebration was cut short as it was just a two-pointer, leaving France agonizingly close but just shy of tying the game. A late three-pointer by Gabby Williams brought France within one, but Kahleah Copper's clutch free throws sealed the deal for Team USA.

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LeBron James stuns Dawn Staley with Olympics performance

The Los Angeles Lakers star again proved why he's one of the greatest ever to grace the game of basketball, leaving fans and legends alike in awe at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Among those dazzled by his performance was Dawn Staley.

Leading the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s team to a third NCAA title in April, Staley made her way to Paris to witness Team USA's pursuit of Olympic gold. And she wasn’t disappointed.

During the intense gold medal game against France, Staley couldn’t fathom the intensity of the game she saw. She posted on X:

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"I'm a witness!"

The Gamecocks coach watched in amazement as James, undeterred by an earlier dunk by Guerschon Yabusele, led Team USA to a 98-87 victory. James put up a double-double, tallying 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, cementing his legacy with his third Olympic gold medal.

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