Olympics men’s basketball results: Team USA tested again, beat France

Team USA found themselves in a dogfight for the third straight game in Olympics men’s basketball, eventually overtaking and defeating France

Having already secured a spot in the knockout rounds, Team USA was looking for more than just a fifth-straight victory on Sunday vs France. The Americans were tested in their two previous matchups against Australia and Serbia. Subsequently, they needed a statement win over France. Unfortunately, they instead became entrenched in yet another hard-fought war to the finish in Rio.

Team USA got off to an early lead, albeit a small one, behind the offensive efforts of Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant. However, their lack of focus on the defensive end of the floor never allowed them to pull away. French point guard Nando de Colo filled in for an injured Tony Parker and began picking the Americans apart. France went into halftime only trailing by nine points, surely within striking distance.

In the third quarter, Team USA again failed to really extend their lead as their offense stagnated quite a bit. If not for the creative passing and penetration from Kyrie Irving and the still-sweet shooting of Thompson, France’s comeback could’ve began there. Instead, the United States entered the fourth quarter with a less-than-comfortable 11-point lead.

The United States then started imploding to begin the fourth. From Durant to Irving to Carmelo Anthony, the US started getting sloppy and not communicating defensively and allowing the French squad to creep back in. Even worse was that the American offense also stagnated, thus aiding France’s comeback plight.

However, Irving, Thompson, and big plays from Carmelo Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins late in the game proved to be the difference. Team USA survived yet another scare, winning 100-97. Their effort must improve, though, if they plan on winning the gold in Rio.

Three Stars

Klay Thompson, USA – 30 points, one rebound, one steal

Nando de Colo, France – 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal

Kyrie Irving, USA – 10 points, 12 asssists, four rebounds, one steal

Next Game

Both Team USA and France will advance to the quarterfinals in the Olympics men’s basketball elimination rounds. Their next games will be on Wednesday, August 17. However, their opponents are yet to be determined.