SAITAMA (Japan) -- Fewer dominant, more talented, and more well-known Team USA teams have existed than that which came together for the Tokyo Olympics. However, no national team has ever won despite such adversity.This will be the group's lasting memory. It will also be good for American basketball, as the U.S. men’s team won a gold medal on Saturday with a win over France 87-82. It was Team USA's fourth consecutive gold medal, although it is not a routine.The Americans celebrated the victory by wrapping themselves in flags, and embracing one another with hugs. It wasn't because they had won the largest prize, but because they knew the process.Kevin Durant was the best person to have a better perspective. He scored 29 points to end a great tournament. He won his third gold medal, along with three NBA championships. He signed a $198 million contract with Brooklyn Nets just hours before the game.Durant felt different about this one, as he wrapped himself in the American flag to avenge Team USA's defeat to France earlier in that event. He flew to Japan three weeks ago with eight of his teammates. It was a small group and nobody knew how they would come together after some shaky play.Durant stated, "This is one the special journeys." It's incredible to be a part of a team which is constantly evolving. We grew with each game. It was a great team effort. We all stuck to it and it paid off.ResultsDurant scored 21 points of his 29 in the first period, which relieved the stress on a team facing a French team with a large size advantage and wanted to use it. Durant was an easy target for France as they forced switches that saw Durant placed on Rudy Gobert (7-foot-2), a move designed to put Durant in foul trouble.Durant was forced to take three fouls from Gobert, who drew nine in the game. Gregg Popovich, Team USA's head coach, was open to playing the percentages as Gobert, who is a poor free throw shooter, only made 6-of-13 attempts at the line. Gobert ended with 16 points, but was unable to make a difference.Durant was the winner. He exhausted himself as he searched for shots and tried to make the U.S. win. Durant saved the day as the Americans shot poorly in the first period. They were only 4-of-18 shooting from 3-point range."KD isn't special because he has so much talent. Popovich stated that the way he works to improve his game is even more impressive. Popovich said, "The relationships he builds with his teammates, the respect that he receives, and the joy he feels in playing, it's almost like osmosis." It's infectious to all players."Durant's teammates wanted to give him credit. He tried to ignore this, as he does so often.Draymond Green said that Kevin Durant was exactly what we believed he was. He won the Golden State and 2016 Olympic titles together. He's one the best players to ever play this sport. You've never seen one of the most unique guys ever put their feet up on a basketball court.After 16 years in the position, Jerry Colangelo was in tears as he spoke about the impact Durant's contributions to USA Basketball.He is an exceptional man. He loves the game. He loves USA basketball," Colangelo said. "He has that kind of character."Jayson Tatum was a great scorer from the bench, even though Durant showed some signs of wear in the second period. France won the fourth quarter and beat the United States in the World Cup 2019. Tatum held off another charge on Saturday.He scored 19 points with two clutch 3-pointers in fourth quarter.Evan Fournier, a French guard who scored 28 points in Saturday's victory over the U.S., is another thorn in their side. He was also a key part of the game plan on Saturday. The U.S. also had an in-rhythm Jrue holiday, who completed an amazing summer with a great defensive performance.Fournier is known for sneaking into spots-up jumpers and Holiday was able to stop him with three steals, a block and some other tricks. Holiday's contribution to the defense effort was not only significant in terms of the number of steals and blocks, but he also kept Fournier away from his sets.Fournier finished with 16 points after shooting just 5-of-15.Holiday and his Milwaukee Bucks teammate Khris Midton were the sixth and fifth players to win both the NBA title as well as the gold medal. Other winners include Kyrie Irving and LeBron James as well as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Scottie Pipepen.Holiday stated, "I suppose me thinking about it and telling the story, that was a helluva summer."Popovich also celebrated the victory. Popovich had a very stressful summer due to late roster changes and the unexpected arrival of three NBA Finals players. While trying to put together strategies, he was under immense pressure to maintain his gold-medal winning streak.Popovich stated that "every championship is special, and every group you are with is special", but he was honest in saying that this was the most responsibility he's ever felt. Popovich said, "The responsibility was awesome and I felt it every single day for many years. "I feel pretty exhausted."
