Champions USA lose to France in Olympics basketball opener
France ends USA 25-game winning streak in the Olympics
The USA lost 83-76 to France at the Saitama Super Arena in their opening Group A encounter at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, ending their run of 25 consecutive wins in Olympics Basketball.
The USBMNT were clear favourites for the tournament, having won three straight gold medals in the event at the Olympics since 2004. The American side started the game very well, ending the first half of the game with a 45-37 lead over their French opposition. A drop in the performance levels of the USA in the fourth quarter saw France go on a 16-2 run at the end of the game, eventually leading them to a clear win by 7 points. Evan Fournier led the scoring for the French with 28 points, and Jrue Holiday scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the USA.
The loss to France was the first suffered by the USA at an Olympics match since their 2004 loss to Argentina. USA would take on Iran and Czech Republic in their remaining Group A games at the Olympics as they aim to recover from the upset suffered at the hands of France.
