Last update on. From the section OlympicsTokyo Olympic Games on BBC Dates: 23 Jul-8 Aug Time in Tokyo: BST+8. Listen live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button; Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, and Sounds; Live text and video clips available on BBC Sport app and website.The USA won a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, beating France 87-82.This was the second meeting between the two teams, and France had inflicted the USA’s first Games loss in 2004 in the group stage.Gregg Popovich's favorites, which had underperformed during the build-up, found their stride when they matter most.Kevin Durant, who scored 29 points, was once again the USA's most outstanding player.France had a strong fourth quarter run but fell short of the US' crucial shots to win the seventh gold medal from the eight that were available.Jrue Holiday said that the first time they played together as a team was in France, which resulted in a loss to them. "So, we felt it was only fair to meet them in Gold and get our win back."USA is far from convincingThe Olympics preparations of Team USA started badly with unexpected losses against Australia and Nigeria in warm-up matches.They seemed to be on the right track after back-to-back wins against Spain and Argentina. However, they were unsure in the first game as France ended their 25-game winning streak at Olympic basketball.Although they were able to bounce back with wins over Iran, and the Czech Republic it was not enough.They were down 15 points in the first half of their quarter-final match against Australia. However, they recovered and took a 30-point advantage.They were unable to cope with Rudy Gobert's physicality and size in defense, which was another slow start in their final match against France.They were cold on offense, failing to make open shots and Gobert's presence at the basket made scoring inside difficult for them.Popovich's team took control, but couldn't really get away from their opponents. Nando deColo made it a three point game with 10 seconds remaining.Durant would make the last free throws to win the game.Dominant Durant is an exampleKevin Durant was a pivotal part of Team USA's win of the gold medalDurant, Brooklyn Nets' star player, was a consistent shining light for Team USA, despite not living up to his billing.The 32-year old led by example throughout tournament, scoring 23 points against the Czech Republic in their final group match to surpass Carmelo Anthony's record as Team USA's leading scorer.Durant averaged 27 point per game during the knockout phase in victories over Australia, Spain, and France. He won a third personal medal, after he was part of two triumphs in 2012, 2016 and 2016.He stated, "You realize, you know, the job is done, you get a gold medal, and you get the trophy. But, when you experience that journey, it's incredible to be part of something so unique." These guys are my lifelong friends.Social media is a place for pride and praiseLauren Holiday, two-time Olympic gold medallist for women's football, was proud that her husband Jrue had added to his NBA title win with the Milwaukee Bucks.Stephen A. Smith also praised Durant, calling him "Team USA's Captain America".
