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WATCH: Rudy Gobert Bodies Kevin Durant in the Paint During Team USA vs France’s Gold Medal Game at Tokyo Olympics

Published 08/06/2021, 11:07 PM EDT

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via Reuters

Gold medal glory is what is on the line as France takes on Team USA. The USA is now chasing its 4th consecutive gold medal and has made its mark in recent games. On the other hand, France is coming off a hard-fought semi-final matchup against Slovenia.

via Reuters

Team USA did not have a great start to the journey as they lost to France in their Olympic opener. However, since then, Kevin Durant and his men have turned things around for the good. After a poor start to his Olympics, Kevin Durant has certainly picked up the pace, scoring 20+ points in his last 3 games. Team USA had an impressive performance in the semi-finals against Australia, winning the game 97-78 to advance to the Finals.

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On the other hand, France had their hands full in their semifinal matchup. Going up against Luka Doncic and Slovenia, they barely escaped as they won 90-89. A Nicolas Batum block saved the French from downgrading to the Bronze medal bout. Rudy Gobert has been playing his part well, looking like their best player on the floor. Evan Fournier has accepted the role of scoring the basketball.

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Rudy Gobert shows no mercy to Kevin Durant of Team USA

Rudy Gobert did not take long to put up his first points on the board for France. Being a big man, he loves to attack in the paint. He spotted the mismatch on Kevin Durant and bodied his way through for a dunk. France has taken no time to show their intent in this game so far.

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They have gotten off to a splendid start with a 10-4 run. Fournier and Rudy Gobert are currently leading France as they have combined for 11 of the 18 first-quarter points. Notably, Gobert has got it going early with 6 points.

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For Team USA, it is Kevin Durant once again who is scoring the points. Durant has been scorching hot, scoring 12 first-quarter points. He will look to continue his momentum. Jrue Holiday has added 4 points to start the game as well.

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Team USA, now sitting on a 4-point lead after the first quarter, will look to keep their lead and grab the honors of the gold medal a fourth consecutive time.

Who do you think will come out on top?

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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