Team USA used 22 points from Kevin Durant and a huge surge in the second and third quarters to run away from a solid French team Sunday.
The USA led by just one, 22-21, and the end of the first quarter, but a 9-0 run to begin the second quarter gave the Americans a double-digit cushion they would not relinquish. Mike Krzyzewski's US squad outscored France, 30-15, in the second quarter for a comfortable 16-point halftime lead.
Because FIBA rules allow only five fouls in their 40-minute games, the USA went into halftime with foul concerns, but the Americans adjusted at halftime and packed the paint instead of allowing the French to beat them off the dribble and draw fouls. It worked--Team USA outscored France, 26-15, in the third.
The US got a balanced rebounding effort, as Durant, Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony all pulled down nine boards. Outside of Durant, only Kevin Love (14) and Kobe Bryant (10) scored in double digits, though three others scored nine apiece.
Ali Traore led France with 12 points, while the Spurs' Tony Parker finished with 10 and five turnovers.
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