Japan defeated Team USA 48-41 in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games wheelchair rugby final to complete a five-game undefeated streak.
The packed Champ-de-Mars Arena witnessed spectators grin, cry, stomp the scaffolding stands, and praise the tense battle as both teams left it all on the court on the biggest disability rugby stage.
Japan, the undefeated favorites, defeated Team USA 45-42 in group play. Japan won gold with Ike Yukinobu (16), Hashimoto Katsuya (19), and Ikezaki Daisuke (6).
After the first quarter, Team USA led 14-11 in the gold medal match. The second quarter saw Japan pull up 24-23 at halftime after a four-point swing.
Japan led 35-32 in the third quarter after the USA ran out of timeouts and went on a turnover streak.
In the fourth quarter, Team USA had nine turnovers as Japan opened up a 48-41 lead to win gold.
Japan and Team USA earned bronze and silver at Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016.
With 14, Chuck Aoki and Sarah Adam led Team USA, while Josh Wheeler scored seven. The first female Paralympic wheelchair rugby player from the USA, Adam, was crucial in Paris.
The most decorated U.S. wheelchair rugby player is Aoki, with three silvers and a bronze. Australia, champions of London 2012 and Rio 2016, defeated Great Britain 50-48 to win the bronze medal.