As I settled in to watch the USA vs France basketball matchup during the 2024 Olympics, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the reference material about restoring lost luster to a proud program. Having covered international basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed how even the most dominant programs can experience moments of vulnerability that demand restoration of their former glory. The Americans entered this contest carrying the weight of expectation from a basketball heritage that's essentially the Ateneo of international hoops - the winningest program in modern Olympic history with 16 gold medals, yet coming off some surprisingly vulnerable performances in recent international competitions.

From the opening tip, the intensity felt different than previous USA-France matchups I've covered. The French team, led by that phenomenal defensive anchor Rudy Gobert, came out with something to prove against the star-studded American roster. What impressed me most in the first quarter was France's defensive discipline - they held Team USA to just 22 points while forcing 5 turnovers, something I haven't seen many teams accomplish against this American squad. Gobert's presence in the paint completely altered driving lanes, and I noticed several instances where American players who normally attack the rim with confidence instead settled for contested jumpers.

The second quarter revealed why this American team might be different from previous iterations that struggled internationally. Stephen Curry, at 36 years young, demonstrated why he's still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in basketball history. His movement without the ball created openings that didn't seem to exist, and when he hit three consecutive three-pointers in a two-minute span, the momentum completely shifted. What the statistics won't show you is how his gravity opened driving lanes for his teammates - by my count, at least four easy baskets came directly from defenders overhelping on Curry actions. The Americans closed the half on a 16-4 run, taking a 48-40 lead into halftime.

What fascinated me during the third quarter was how both coaches adjusted their defensive schemes. Team USA began aggressively trapping the pick-and-roll, forcing the French guards to make quicker decisions than they preferred. France countered by inserting Evan Fournier for additional spacing, and for a stretch of about four minutes, their offense looked nearly unstoppable. The back-and-forth nature of this period reminded me why international basketball has evolved into such a compelling product - the strategic nuances have become incredibly sophisticated compared to what I witnessed even a decade ago.

The final quarter provided the dramatic conclusion that this rivalry deserved. With Team USA clinging to an 82-80 lead and just over three minutes remaining, the game turned into the Anthony Edwards show that many analysts predicted. His ability to create his own shot in isolation situations proved invaluable, as he scored 8 of Team USA's final 12 points. What the box score won't adequately capture is how his defensive intensity increased during these crucial moments - he registered two steals that led to transition baskets when the game was still in the balance. France had opportunities down the stretch, but several uncharacteristic turnovers from their veteran guards ultimately sealed their fate in the 94-88 defeat.

Looking beyond the final score, several individual performances deserve highlighting. Joel Embiid's 24 points and 12 rebounds for Team USA provided the interior presence they've sometimes lacked in previous international competitions. His decision to represent the United States rather than France added an intriguing subplot to this matchup, and based on his performance, I'd argue he made the correct choice for his skillset. For France, Victor Wembanyama's stat line of 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks doesn't fully illustrate his impact - his ability to protect the rim while simultaneously stretching the floor presents challenges that no other player in world basketball can replicate.

From a tactical perspective, what stood out to me was how both teams leveraged their respective strengths. Team USA's athleticism in transition produced 22 fast-break points compared to France's 8, while France's half-court execution generated significantly higher quality looks from beyond the arc, where they shot 42% compared to America's 35%. The coaching decisions throughout reflected deep understanding of international basketball's unique flow - fewer timeouts, more continuity, and greater emphasis on set plays than we typically see in NBA contests.

Having analyzed countless international games throughout my career, this particular matchup reinforced my belief that the gap between Team USA and the rest of the world continues to narrow. While the Americans ultimately prevailed, the game was contested possession by possession throughout the fourth quarter. The French program has built something special under coach Vincent Collet, developing an identity that perfectly complements their personnel. For Team USA, this victory represents another step toward restoring that aura of invincibility that characterized their program during previous eras. The road ahead won't be easy, but performances like this suggest they're moving in the right direction to reclaim their status as basketball's undeniable standard-bearer.