That’s a wrap for men’s basketball in the Olympics. The United States has won their fourth straight gold medal and avenged the earlier loss to France. This was the first time France lost in the Olympics.
First Quarter
France looked sharp to get things started. Rudy Gobert was involved early. They got out to a 10-4 lead. The US took a timeout. The US could not shoot from three at first. Things began to pick up in other areas and twos began go to down. No surprise, Durant was the first US player to have success shooting from distance. France was able to move the ball beautifully, but the US was able to counter. Jayson Tatum was also able to sting France with a three. The final play was a shot from Damian Lillard from way back that nearly went in, but just bounced off the rim. The US led 22-18 off a 16-6 run to end the quarter.
Second Quarter
Team US was able to get in a three point groove. France wasn’t going anywhere and stayed with the pace. The US had the edge but couldn’t separate. Gobert made his presence felt again. Even though the US had the lead, France made a push before halftime. The US had the lead 44-39.
Third Quarter
The third quarter featured quick strikes from both sides. Durant stayed hot and France took a timeout with the score 56-45. Evan Fournier couldn’t get going in the second after a solid first. The US only had three turnovers as opposed to the 11 by France. Guerschon Yabusele continued being in the mix. But, the US began to take over. After Tatum landed a big dunk, France took a timeout trailing 71- 57. Nic Batum beat the buzzer with a three with the US leading 71-63.
Fourth Quarter
The US could taste it and tried to finish the job. The French would not go away quietly. At the halfway point, the US lead was seven. France’s determination and effort kept them alive as Gobert returned to the game. However, his free throw woes continued. The tension mounted is it got close to the two minute mark. Gobert also picked up his fourth foul. Fournier tried to get in a last minute rhythm. Even though he didn’t, France had a great effort to close the gap to three. Gobert fouled out on the inbound pass that sent Durant to the line to try to seal the game away. USA Basketball does it again and wins 87-82. Captain America Kevin Durant led the way with 29 points. USA Basketball’s dominance in the Olympics isn’t done yet folks.
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