The USA saw off Australia 74-63 to claim the women's Olympic basketball crown in a thrilling repeat of the Sydney Games final four years ago.
The defending champions moved 29-26 ahead at the end of the second period thanks to Diana Taurasi.
Penny Taylor's sharp shooting inspired a third-quarter run by Australia but they still trailed 52-50.
The USA turned on the style in the last quarter, shutting out Australia to make amends for the men's dismal exit.
Australia closed down the defending champions in the dying moments of the first quarter despite some wayward shooting.
But the USA stole a three-point lead going into the first break thanks to a confident shot from Taurasi.
Australia captain Trish Fallon got on the scoresheet as her side began to claw themselves back into the game after the restart.
Both teams scored 12 points in the second period which ended closely poised at 29-26.
It was Australia who started the second half in determined mood as Taylor scored two drop shots to give them the lead for the second time in the match at 33-30.
Momentum continued to switch between the two sides as the game opened up before Shannon Johnson nudged the USA in front.
And USA captain Dawn Staley led the way as her side hustled Australia into submission in the decisive quarter.
A resurgent Russian side celebrate their bronze medal win over Brazil
Russia staged a determined comeback against Brazil to take the bronze medal.
They had trailed for much of the match as Iziane Marques spearheaded Brazil's attack but Russia took control in the third quarter to secure a 71-62 win.
Diana Gustlina grabbed 12 points to guide Russia to their first Olympic women's basketball medal and improve on their sixth place at the Sydney Games.