France outscored Japan 19-9 in the pivotal fourth quarter, including a 17-2 run that defined the overall play in the final period.
The United States jumped out to an 18-5 lead in the first quarter and collected its seventh consecutive gold in the event.
Dynamic point guard Rui Machida continued her brilliant play with an Olympic women’s single-game record of 18 assists.
Saki Hayashi sank a 3-pointer with 15.2 seconds remaining to keep the host nation’s medal hopes alive.
