Team USA men's hoops suffers first Olympic loss since 2004

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Network

Team USA men's basketball opens Tokyo Olympics with loss to France

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/25/21

Team USA men's basketball opened the Tokyo Olympics Sunday with an 83-76 loss to France in the preliminary group stage. It marks the United States' first Olympic loss since 2004 against Argentina.

Final.#Basketball #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/qDLZtikMC7
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 25, 2021

Sunday's game was also the Americans' second straight loss to France in international play, with the French also victorious at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. However, it is the first time the U.S. has ever lost to France in Olympic action.

Milwaukee Bucks star Jrue Holiday lead Team USA with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the loss. Boston Celtics veteran Evan Fournier finished with 28 points, four rebounds and an assist for France, which put together a dominant fourth quarter.

The U.S. led 74-67 with 3:41 remaining, but Fournier ignited a 14-0 run that helped the French secure the victory.

The Americans converted just 40% of their two-pointers and 31% of their deep balls, compared to France's 60% from two-point range and 30% from deep.

Since 1992, the U.S. is 53-4, including Sunday's loss to France.

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