USA defeats France to claim Gold in Men’s Basketball at Tokyo Games

USA defeated France 87-82 in the final match of the men’s basketball tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to pick up the gold medal in the competition for the fourth straight time, adding to their gold medals in Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The USA controlled the game from the tip-off using all of their experience and quality. They won the first quarter 22-18 and the second quarter 22-21 to race into a 44-39 lead at half time. Their third quarter performance saw them move into a 71-63 lead before wrapping up the job in the fourth and final quarter to emerge 87-82 winners of the match.

Two-time NBA champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant was in inspired form as he plundered home 29 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for his country. Jayson Tatum followed with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the USA. Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert led the scoring for his native France with 16 points and 8 rebounds in the game. Durant led Team USA in points, 3 points made and free throws at the Olympics as he overtook fellow great Carmelo Anthony to become the all-time points leader for the USA at the Olympics.

France picked up a first silver medal in basketball since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Gold medal for Team USA in the men’s basketball holds so much meaning, especially in this edition of the Olympics where they lost in their pre-tournament exhibitions to Nigeria and Australia, and in their opening preliminary round match to same France.