Record Olympic champions USA started the Olympic basketball tournament with a bitter defeat.
The top favorite for superstar Kevin Durant was defeated on Sunday in Saitama by third place in the World Cup, France, at the start of the group stage with 76:83 (45:37).
Due to the first bankruptcy at the Olympics since the semi-finals in Athens in 2004, the 15-time gold medalist is under pressure in the fight for the quarter-finals.
Despite an eight-point lead at halftime, the USA lost the third quarter at 11:25 and allowed France to make a comeback around top scorer Evan Fournier of the Boston Celtics (28 points).
On Wednesday (6.40 a.m. CEST), the USA will meet the Iranians in their second preliminary round game, who lost their first game against the Czech Republic on Sunday 78:84.
The preparation of coach Gregg Popovich's team had been difficult recently, with some surprising defeats in friendly matches.
Bradley Beal (corona protocol) and Kevin Love (calf injury) were also out at short notice.
Meanwhile, Khris Middleton and Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns arrived late because of their participation in the NBA finals, but were there against the French.