Team USA used a strong second and third quarters to dispatch France in the opening game of their quest for Olympic gold. Kevin Durant scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Team USA to a 98-71 win over France in Pool A competition on Sunday morning.
The Americans led by just one point after the first quarter, but they outscored France 30-15 in the second quarter, then 26-15 in the third quarter to pull away for an easy win.
Team USA is 5-0 all-time against France in Olympic play, though they hadn't played since 2000. France didn't qualify for the Olympics in 2004 and 2008.
Kobe Bryant scored 10 points in 12 minutes for Team USA, shooting 2-of-5 from three-point range. Chris Paul had five points, two steals, and two assists in 20 minutes. Former UCLA Bruins forward Kevin Love scored 14 points and grabbed three rebounds in the win, playing 14 minutes.
Team USA shot 43.1% from the field, including 32% (8-for-25) from three-point range. Team USA had 27 assists for its 31 field goals made. Meanwhile, France shot 39.4% from the field, including just 9.1% (2-for-22) from distance.
Forward Ali Traore led France with 12 points and five rebounds in just 13 minutes. Tony Parker had 10 points and an assist in defeat, but also had four turnovers.
Team USA is 74-2 all-time in Olympic preliminary pool play. Up next for the Americans is a Tuesday night matchup with Tunisia, world ranked No. 32 by FIBA.
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