Rio-Cap: USA 100, France 97 (or, Une Touche de Trois)

The subtitle of this Rio-Cap can be translated either as “a splash of three” or “a three spot.” Both meanings would be appropriate or acceptable after the latest close call for Team USA in these Olympic games, as they were able to hold off an experienced French team (minus their floor leader, Tony Parker) by a mere three points behind the three-point shooting of a suddenly resurgent Splash Brother.

Yes, Klay Thompson, after struggling through the first four games of pool play shooting just 4-26 (3-18 from downtown), finally found his stroke, going 9-16 and 7-13 from three for 30 points. And, the Americans needed almost all of them, as they couldn’t quite shake the French. The US had comfortable leads of nine at the half and as much as 16 late in the third quarter, but France mounted a strong comeback attempt in the fourth, outscoring the US 28-19.

Aside from Thompson’s barrage, Team USA also got a strong game from his new Warrior teammate Kevin Durant. After taking just four shots in the previous squeaker against Serbia, KD took just two more in this contest, but made all six (including 4-5 at the stripe) to finish with 17 points. He also pulled down six boards, dished four dimes and snagged two steals. The only other Americans to make it to double digits were Carmelo Anthony and Kyrie Irving, who both had 10. Though he didn’t score much, Kyrie did have one highlight vining of Boris Diaw…

https://vine.co/v/5h1U29mDaa3

Both DeMarcus Cousins and DeMar DeRozan chipped in nine points apiece for the US, and DeAndre Jordan and Paul George also gave the team some timely buckets, as the Americans shot almost 56% from the field and 37% from three.

The French, however, matched the hot shooting of Team USA, also firing away at a 56% clip (although they were just 26% from downtown). With Parker on the sidelines resting his reported injured toe, France was led by their backcourt tandem of Nando de Colo and Tomas Huertel, who poured in 18 points each. Huertel had nine assists and eight rebounds filling in for Parker. They also got a good game from Nic Batum (14 points) and Joffrey Lauvergne with 12 points and five boards off the bench.

One of the big differences in this game from the last one against Serbia, was that the US moved the ball and distributed well to attack the French. They finished with 32 assists on 35 made shots, and were led by an Olympic record tying 12 from Kyrie. Uncle Drew joins LeBron, MJ, Phil Ford and Leon Wood in tying the dimes in a game record.

While many of his dozen were terrific, one in particular was patently Kyrie-diculous…

https://twitter.com/CavsNationNet/status/764928141580054528

Team USA finishes Group A undefeated at 5-0 to earn the top seed going into quarterfinals play, but their inability to close out the last three opponents certainly leaves them looking at least somewhat vulnerable. Defense was still an issue against France, considering they were still able to get much of what they wanted offensively even without four-time NBA Champion Parker orchestrating things from the point. They will match up against whoever winds up fourth in the scrum that is Group B (where all six teams are still alive to advance) on Wednesday.

At least it appears that Thompson’s shot has returned in time to help keep the US on top. If their defense can also wake up a bit, they should have a strong chance for a three spot of gold medals.