USA vs France Basketball 2024: Complete Match Analysis and Key Player Statistics
As I settled into my courtside seat for the USA vs France basketball matchup at the 2024 Olympics, I could feel the electric atmosphere that only comes when two basketball powerhouses collide. Having covered international basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless clashes between these nations, but this particular game promised something special - a true test of America's revitalized program against France's methodical, team-oriented approach. The final score of 94-89 in favor of Team USA doesn't fully capture the dramatic ebbs and flows of this contest, nor does it highlight the individual performances that ultimately decided the outcome.
From the opening tip, France established their signature defensive intensity, effectively disrupting America's transition game and forcing them into half-court sets where their athletic advantage diminished somewhat. What impressed me most about the French approach was their disciplined switching on defense and their patience in working for high-percentage shots. Rudy Gobert's presence in the paint completely altered how American drivers approached the basket - I counted at least four instances where players who'd normally attack the rim without hesitation instead pulled up for mid-range jumpers they weren't particularly comfortable taking. Victor Wembanyama, despite being relatively young for international competition, displayed remarkable poise against America's veteran big men, finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds while contesting countless shots at the rim.
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Team USA, trailing by seven, made the defensive adjustments that ultimately saved their Olympic campaign. They began aggressively trapping French ball handlers near half-court, creating turnovers that led to easy transition opportunities. This is where America's depth truly shone through - while their stars struggled at times against France's defensive schemes, their bench provided the spark needed to shift momentum. Stephen Curry, despite an otherwise quiet night shooting, came up with two critical steals during this stretch that led directly to fast-break points. What many casual observers might miss when reviewing the box score is how Curry's impact extended beyond his scoring - he ended up with nine points in that contest, not the most but ample enough to get his team over the hump when combined with his defensive contributions and playmaking.
Offensively, America's success hinged on their ability to eventually solve France's defensive puzzles. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 28 points, but what stood out to me was his efficiency - he shot 10-of-18 from the field and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, numbers that become even more impressive considering the quality of defense he faced. France employed multiple defenders against Tatum, including the lengthy Nicolas Batum and the physical Guerschon Yabusele, yet he consistently created separation for his shots. The real story, however, was America's three-point shooting in clutch moments - they connected on 48% of their attempts from deep, a remarkable figure against France's typically stout perimeter defense.
France's offensive execution deserves significant praise, particularly their pick-and-roll game which created numerous high-quality looks. Evan Fournier orchestrated their attack masterfully, dishing out 11 assists while committing just two turnovers. Their strategy of attacking specific defensive mismatches nearly paid off, as they managed to get both Kevin Durant and Bam Adebayo into foul trouble by the third quarter. Where France ultimately fell short was in their three-point shooting - they converted just 32% of their attempts from deep, including several critical misses during America's fourth-quarter run. In today's international game, that discrepancy from beyond the arc often proves decisive, and this contest was no exception.
The individual matchup between Gobert and America's big men fascinated me throughout. While Gobert finished with a respectable 16 points and 14 rebounds, his impact defensively was somewhat neutralized by America's spacing and their willingness to draw him away from the basket. Adebayo, in particular, did an excellent job of engaging Gobert in high pick-and-roll situations, creating driving lanes for American guards. This strategic adjustment by Coach Kerr proved crucial - by forcing Gobert to defend in space, they limited his shot-blocking opportunities while creating rebounding advantages for their athletic wings.
As the final minutes unfolded, what struck me was the composure both teams displayed under pressure. Neither squad committed a turnover in the last three minutes, a testament to their preparation and execution in high-stakes situations. America's final push was fueled by their defensive intensity rather than offensive fireworks - they held France scoreless for nearly two minutes during a critical stretch, generating stops that translated into transition opportunities. The game's decisive sequence came with under a minute remaining when Jrue Holiday, whose defensive prowess I've long admired, stripped Fournier near mid-court and found Tatum for an open three that essentially sealed the victory.
Reflecting on this matchup, I'm convinced we witnessed a potential gold medal preview. Both teams demonstrated why they're considered favorites, with America's explosive offensive potential ultimately overcoming France's disciplined system. The individual statistics tell part of the story - Tatum's 28 points, Wembanyama's 24-point, 11-rebound double-double, Holiday's all-around contribution of 14 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals - but what the numbers can't capture is the strategic chess match that unfolded between the coaching staffs. This game reinforced my belief that international basketball has evolved to a point where pure talent alone rarely prevails - system, preparation, and the ability to make in-game adjustments have become equally important. For Team USA, this hard-fought victory provides both confidence and a blueprint for success against elite international competition, while France demonstrated they have the personnel and system to compete with anyone when the Olympics resume in Paris.
