Team USA finished their men's basketball group competitions 2 (win)-1 (loss) and made the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics. Achieving big wins over Iran and the Czech Republic were nothing to brag about but losing to France in the opener was concerning enough for the defending champions.
USA dominated the hardwood from 2008 in Beijing to 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, claiming three gold medals. Extending that glory may not get them more praise, but losing the gold will definitely place the team under endless criticism.
Kevin Durant (#7) of USA shoots in the men's basketball game against the Czech Republic in the Tokyo Olympics at the Super Saitama Arena in Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2021. /CFP
Jayson Tatum (#10) of USA drives toward the rim in the men's basketball game against the Czech Republic in the Tokyo Olympics at the Super Saitama Arena, July 31, 2021. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Matthew Watson
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei