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May 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) attempts a layup against Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half of game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) attempts a layup against Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half of game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Having witnessed a thrilling 2021 NBA-Finals, focus now shifts to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as the United States begins its title defence. Once again, all eyes are on the U.S. given the star power they possess. From experienced campaigners in KD and Draymond, to rising stars Jayson Tatum and DBook, there’s no dearth in star power.
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The U.S. have begun their Olympic campaign with finesse as they took the floor in a matchup against France. In a heavily contested game, Team USA’s consistent scoring now sees them with a double digit lead heading into halftime.
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Kevin Durant of the USA in action during the Basketball Men’s Gold Medal Game between Serbia and the USA during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 1 in the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21 August 2016. Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa | usage worldwide (Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green with the highlight reel
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The first half of the American matchup with France was highly entertaining, with NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Draymond Green leading the show.
Draymond, known for his dogged defense along with seamless facilitation, is a valuable possession. Especially for Gregg Popovich, whose conventional style of basketball has seen his teams win championships in the past.
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And in these Olympics, Green has backed up that claim, with a stellar defensive block in the 1st half. That defensive play was then followed up by a quick dish fastbreak as Tatum broke open for the jam on the other end.
Read More -?Top 10 NBA Stars Who Will Be Suiting Up at the Tokyo Olympics
In a rather poetic sequence, Draymond following Tatum’s jam, once again stripped French Evan Fournier, going for a drive. It was almost a mirror sequence, as Tatum found the ball in his hands yet again, set up for the flush.
JT! 💪 It's a 16-4 USA run!
1:23 1Q | 🇺🇸 22 🇫🇷 13
📺 @peacockTV
💻 https://t.co/o3N2WY2P0o— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 25, 2021
KD and Company finally shook off the rust as they won their final matchup in Vegas. However, they know the French must not be taken lightly! And if their exploits in the 1st half are anything to go by, is there a reason to worry?
Read More -?Kevin Durant Can Overtake Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James at the Tokyo Olympics 2020
Journey to Glory
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Aug. 12, 2012 – London, England, United Kingdom. The ‘Dream Team,’ including (L-R) KEVIN LOVE, LEBRON JAMES, and KEVIN DURANT, celebrates after winning the gold medal basketball game against Spain during the 2012 London Summer Olympics. (Credit Image: ?? Mark Makela) (Photo by Mark Makela/Corbis via Getty Images)
While Team USA’s roster flaws are now showing against France as they barely hold on to a 3-4 point lead, is it going to take a “ra-ra” speech from NBA champion head Coach Gregg Popovich to turn the tides in Tokyo?
Watch this story – Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard Headline- The USA Tokyo Olympics Men’s Basketball Roster.
