Tokyo 2021-basketball: the Blues start with a feat against the United States
French basketball player Evan Fournier (foreground) wrestling with American Kevin Durant, July 25, 2021. AP - Eric Gay
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3 min
In the Saïtama Super Arena, Vincent Collet's men dominated the United States, their first opponent in group A (83-76), this Sunday, July 25.
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Two years after their victory against Team USA in the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup in China, the Blues did it again this Sunday in Saïmata by winning by 6 points after a second half masterfully led and with an Evan Fournier Gala (28 points).
While its three preparation matches had ended in three defeats, the French basketball team began these Games with a major victory.
On paper, however, the American team had something to intimidate, with a workforce apparently much more solid than two years ago.
In fact, it was the Americans who started the game the best, peaking their lead at ten points just before the break (45-35).
But the Blues have not let go.
When they returned from the locker room, they tightened their defense and found solutions in attack to inflict a 25 to 11 in the United States at the end of the 3rd quarter.
The hardest part was obviously not done and Team USA, in the ranks of which Kevin Durant was discreet and clumsy (10 pts to 4/12 on shots), penalized by several early faults, was able to regain control in the wake by Jrue Holiday.
The rear, the team's top scorer (18 pts), allowed his team to lead 69-63 at the start of the 4th quarter, without showing any sign of fatigue, five days after being crowned NBA champion with Milwaukee .
It is with a defense of starving and crucial baskets from Nando De Colo (13 pts), also excellent at interception (2), and Nicolas Batum author of a three-point shot in the last seconds, that France has forced its destiny.
Thanks also to this action by Guershon Yabusele one minute from the end while the Blues were led by 2 points: the French interior dived to avoid the touch and served Evan Fournier who drew behind the arc, giving back the advantage to the Blues who never let go.
“
It's good, it's a good result, it's not over, it's only the beginning, we have another big game that is coming quickly.
It's never easy to prepare for the Olympics, tonight, we were focused, it was successful for us
, ”commented Nando De Colo.
He like the others did not rejoice in Saïtama.
They know only too well that the hardest part is yet to come to touch gold.
Next match on Wednesday against the Czech Republic, who lost Iran earlier (84-78).
A success would ensure them qualification for the quarter-finals.
(
With
AFP)
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Brief sports
Olympic Games
2020 Olympics
Basketball
France
United States