As I settled in to watch the USA vs France basketball matchup during the 2024 Olympics, I couldn't help but draw parallels to that compelling line about restoring lost luster in college basketball. Having followed international basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed how national programs experience cycles of dominance and rebuilding, much like collegiate programs. The Americans entered this game carrying the weight of expectation similar to what that "winningest program" faces - everyone wants to knock off the top dog, and France represented perhaps the most dangerous challenger in the tournament.
From the opening tip, the intensity felt different than your typical international group stage game. The French squad, led by veteran center Rudy Gobert who contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, came out with something to prove against the star-studded American lineup. What struck me immediately was France's defensive organization - they held Team USA to just 42% shooting in the first half, which is quite an accomplishment against what I consider the most talented roster since the 2008 Redeem Team. Joel Embiid, representing the US after his much-discussed nationality decision, looked dominant at times but also showed some rust with 4 turnovers in the first twenty minutes alone.
The third quarter told the real story of this contest. Team USA exploded for 35 points in those ten minutes, which ultimately became the difference in their 98-87 victory. What impressed me most wasn't the scoring outburst itself but how it happened - through relentless defensive pressure that generated 8 steals and forced France into 15 total turnovers. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of international games, I've noticed that American teams typically separate themselves during these explosive stretches where their athleticism and depth simply overwhelm opponents. Stephen Curry, at 36 years young, demonstrated why he remains one of basketball's most transformative players, hitting 6 three-pointers and finishing with 24 points. His movement without the ball created constant defensive dilemmas for the French, who struggled to track both him and Kevin Durant simultaneously.
France's resilience deserves significant praise though. Even when down by 18 points early in the fourth quarter, they continued executing their half-court offense with precision, cutting the lead to just 7 with under three minutes remaining. Evan Fournier's 26 points reminded everyone why he's been so successful in international play throughout his career. The French approach reminded me of that concept of restoring lost luster - they played with the determination of a program seeking to reclaim its place among basketball's elite after some recent international disappointments.
What fascinated me from a tactical perspective was how both coaches adjusted throughout the game. Team USA's Steve Kerr eventually settled on a closing lineup of Curry, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, and Embiid - what I'd argue might be the most skilled offensive unit ever assembled in international basketball. France's Vincent Collet countered with smaller lineups that spaced the floor, but they simply couldn't get enough stops during critical moments. The rebounding battle ended surprisingly even at 42 apiece, which speaks to France's physical preparation for this matchup.
Having watched every US-France Olympic meeting since 2000, this might have been the most competitive between the two nations, despite the final margin. The game revealed something important about modern international basketball - the gap has narrowed considerably, but Team USA's ability to deploy multiple future Hall of Famers in waves still provides a decisive advantage in these single-game scenarios. What stays with me after analyzing the footage is how France exposed some real vulnerabilities in the American defense, particularly in pick-and-roll coverage, which future opponents will certainly look to exploit.
The individual matchup between Gobert and Embiid lived up to its billing, with both centers making significant impacts despite different approaches. Embiid's 22 points came more from perimeter activity and face-up opportunities, while Gobert dominated the paint with his traditional back-to-the-basket game. Personally, I'd give the slight edge to Embiid in this matchup because of his ability to draw Gobert away from the rim, which opened driving lanes for American guards throughout the second half.
Looking beyond the statistics, this game demonstrated why Olympic basketball remains the purest form of the sport. The national pride, the stylistic clashes, and the way adjustments unfold in real-time create a compelling narrative that regular season NBA games simply can't match. As Team USA continues its quest for gold, this victory over France will likely be remembered as the moment they established their identity as a team that can win through both offensive fireworks and timely defensive stands. For France, they proved they belong in the medal conversation and showed the kind of resilience that could carry them deep into the elimination rounds.