SAITAMA (Japan) -- Team USA's invincibility at men's basketball has long passed. The road to a fourth consecutive gold-medal is already difficult.France dominated the Americans with a stunning finish, winning 83-76 to open the Tokyo Olympics. It ended a streak of 25 consecutive Olympic wins for Team USA dating back to 2004.Evan Fournier hit a 3-pointer with one minute left to give France the lead. This was after the U.S. had led by eight points with four minutes remaining. This was his largest of 28 points and it was one of his best games.The Americans then managed five shots and missed all of them. The last three points were made by Jrue Holiday, Kevin Durant, and Zach LaVine.Fournier stated, "I was able to lead the team because of my knowledge of these guys." It's a great win. Our country will be proud. It's only one game, let's be real.The best moment between the two teams was at the end of the game, when Fournier calmly shaken hands with the Americans and the French left the room with the same business-as usual demeanor. France celebrated with joy after defeating Team USA in the World Cup in China two years ago.With Sunday's defeat to France, Team USA's 25-game Olympic winning streak of men's basketball came crashing to an abrupt halt. AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallGregg Popovich, Team USA coach, said "There's nothing surprising about," before going on to his most popular statement after losing."When you lose a match, you don't get surprised. Although you're disappointed, I don't get the meaning of surprised. This discredits the French team as if they're supposed beat us by 30. This is a formidable team.Although the French won bronze at the World Cup, their talent is not comparable to the Americans'. It doesn't explain why a U.S.-based team, built for scoring and shooting, went four and a quarter minutes without a basket down to the end.Fatigue was a factor. It was a rare set of circumstances that three players did not make it to the hotel by 1 a.m. gameday. Jrue Holiday was the king of the fourth quarter. He scored 12 of his 18 points, and made several energy plays that helped the U.S. gain a lead.Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard were just a few of the stars that America had at their disposal. They failed because the French operated an execution center.Popovich appeared annoyed by media questions regarding the upset. This is his usual behavior. Popovich has been a coach for the national team since 2019, and has seen losses in five of eight games. Some people admitted that the loss was disappointing, but others disagreed."I believe we have a long history of dominance, maybe not always blowing people away but we have a track record of winning. Lillard said that Team USA is rarely seen losing, particularly late in the game, and that she shot only 3-of-10."I believe that's why many people will make it seem as if the end of the universe is near, but our job, as professionals and with this team representing our country at Olympics, is to do what's required and still accomplish what we came to accomplish."Popovich stated that he had been thinking about the rematch for over two years, and every day since February's draw. Popovich said he couldn't slow down Fournier because he was constantly able to get free for open shots on the perimeter. Holiday, who helped the Bucks win the title Tuesday night, was not able to stem the tide.Vincent Collet, a French coach, also outmaneuvered Popovich in the second period by using a huge lineup that included Rudy Gobert (7-foot) and Vincent Poirier (7-foot).This length was against a smaller American lineup that closed driving and passing lanes. After the French lost 10 points early in the third quarter to Team USA, Team USA scored only 29 points in the final 18 minutes.Popovich stated that every team must do what is best for their personnel. Popovich explained that our team has Draymond [Green] & Bam Adebayo as their two big men. This gives us pace and makes us move well and is best for the people we have.Holiday helped Team USA win. The score in the fourth quarter was 74-67. Two years ago, Team USA lost to China with a score of 74-67. However, the French won the final quarter with a 22-5 run that kept the U.S. from medal contention. Team USA led again in the fourth quarter, 74-67. France closed the game with a 16-2 run punctuated in the final minute by Fournier's three-point dagger.Durant's worst game was the one that he played in his long and distinguished Olympic career. He got into foul trouble and shot just 4-of-12. After a fast start, Durant fouled Gobert on switches. He forced Gobert from the floor. In 21 minutes, he fouled out.To advance to the medal round, the Americans will need to win their last two pool-play games against Iran or the Czech Republic. However, they could technically advance on the scoring margin if another game is lost.Lillard stated that "we were just trying too hard for the right thing." "Instead of being just who we are -- The best players in NBA."This report was contributed by Tim Bontemps, ESPN.
