The Blues strike a blow!
Almost two years after eliminating the United States in the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup, the French again defeated the Americans after a second period under control despite a tense money-time, at the opening of the basketball tournament. .
Embarrassed at the start of the match by the defensive intensity of the Americans, the Blues also lacked success (only one in eight at three points) in the first quarter, lost 15 to 22. Led by Nando de Colo, the French have reattached to two points at the start of the second quarter, but two award-winning baskets from American leader Damian Lillard allowed Team USA to regain an eight-point lead. Despite the efforts of the French defense, forcing their opponents to individual exploits on placed play, the Blues failed to close the gap, never led by more than ten points but never able to return to possession.
Stronger on the fast game, the United States finished the first period well to stay ahead at the break (45-37), led by the 10 points and 4 rebounds of the Miami player, Bam Adebayo, and the long banderillas. distance from Lillard.
On the French side, only Evan Fournier (12 points) and Rudy Gobert (9 points, 7 rebounds) weighed in attack and allowed the Blues to stay in the game.
The awakening of the French after the break
In the second period, two award-winning shots from Fournier allowed France to return to - 4 (45-49), after three minutes of play. The increase in French physical intensity surprised the Americans, and the Blues went ahead on a three points from Nando de Colo (55-54, 27th).
The France team perfectly managed the return to the locker room against Americans overtaken, and won 25-11 the third quarter.
The last period is intense, indecisive, and the Americans return to the front six minutes from the end (63-67). Neck to neck, the two teams approach the money-time in a pocket square (72-74). One minute from the end, Evan Fournier (28 points in total) gives France the advantage on a long distance shot after a confused action. The Americans had several balloons to pass but narrowly missed. The France team will have to confirm their good start on Wednesday against the Czech Republic.