Tokyo Olympics: US to play France in men’s basketball gold medal final

Team USA will on Saturday take on France in the final of the men’s basketball as they chase their fourth consecutive gold medal.

The Americans recovered from a shaky start to beat Australia 97-78 in their semi-final.

Australia had led by 15 points in the second quarter before the three-time defending champions launched a 34-point run to overturn the deficit.

France later beat Slovenia 90-89 to reach their first Olympic final since Sydney 2000.

The gold medal game will take place on Saturday (03:30 BST).

Team USA’s comeback was spearheaded by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the latter outscoring Australia single-handedly in the third quarter.

“I’ve got to give credit to Australia, they came out and hit us with a nice haymaker,” said Durant, who top-scored for Team USA with 23 points, with Booker adding 20.

“We were able to get some momentum going to the half. Guys came out with that intensity, we made shots as well.

“I feel like everything aligned for us in that second half, and that’s who we are.

“I think [teams] want to get us down early in hopes that we panic. We didn’t. We came out in the third quarter with amazing energy and fight.”

BBC