Gobert, France Win Again, 97-77 Over Czechs
Jul 28, 2021, 8:11 AM | Updated: 8:17 am
SAITAMA, JAPAN - Rudy Gobert #27 of Team France dunks the ball against Czech Republic during the second half of a Men's Preliminary Round Group A game on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on July 28, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Charlie Neibergall - Pool/Getty Images)
(Photo by Charlie Neibergall - Pool/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — Rudy Gobert and France beat the Czech Republic 97-77 for a 2-0 start to the Olympic men’s basketball tournament.
Evan Fournier scored 21 points and Nando de Colo added 17 points and eight assists for the French.
L’equipe can complete pool play undefeated with a victory over winless Iran on Saturday.
Gobert Adds Steady Play
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert scored 6 points on 3 dunks and collected 10 rebounds. Gobert was again a defensive force, posting a +/- of +15.
When he was in the game, the Czech Republic spent most of their offensive possessions settling for long jump shots, avoiding a challenge at the rim where Gobert has been so dominant in his NBA career.
1er du groupe, direction les quarts de finale đź”’#TeamFranceBasket #CZEFRA #Tokyo2020 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/JKhlCzR5pz
— Equipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) July 28, 2021
The Czechs fell to 1-1 and will face the U.S. on Saturday with the winner guaranteed to move into the quarterfinals.
France ended a 25-game winning streak in the Olympics for the U.S. with an 83-76 victory Sunday, getting 28 points from Fournier.
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