The United States clinched a spot in the men’s Olympic basketball quarterfinals on Saturday as the seeds for next week’s final eight encounters take shape.
Kevin Durant led the United States to a 119-84 victory over the Czech Republic in the final group game at Saitama Super Arena, north of Tokyo.
The United States finished the preliminaries 2-1 after losing their first game to France, the first Olympic loss for the Americans since 2004.
“We all try to understand each other. It’s literally our third game with all of us together. But we knew KD would come and do what he always does.” Milwaukee Bucks star Jrue Holiday said.
The USA team started slowly against the Czech team and were lagging behind at the end of the first quarter. But the Americans escaped in the second half with a three-point dam from Durant and Jayson Tatum.
In previous matches, France and Australia have swept their preliminary groups.
Real Madrid’s Thomas Heurtel led with 16 points in France’s 79-62 win over Iran. They went 3-0 in Group A, including their shock loss to Team USA on Sunday.
Despite his team’s dominant performance so far, Evan Fournier would not speculate on France’s medal chances.
“The quarter-finals first. Focus on that. Too many times we’ve beaten very, very good teams and we lost in the semi-finals, so more that.” Fournier said.
Team USA has always been the team to beat, with a record 139-6 and 15 gold medals since 1936. But as the sport gains popularity around the world, many national teams can field players with NBA experience, and the US talent advantage has shrunk.
Quarterfinal matches in men’s basketball will be held on Aug 3.
