Blake Murphy Sports Writing

A few close calls in men’s exhibition play may end up having been a bellwether of the struggles to come for USA Basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In all likelihood, it was a group of individuals hitting some bumps on their way to becoming a team — one that was able to find a top gear defensively whenever they truly needed it and whose upside remains higher than any Olympic squad of the last couple decades.

Yes, South Sudan excitement and Germany wake-up call aside, the United States is still the team to beat in the men’s tournament that tips off in France later this week.

The field is crowded behind the Americans, leaving few easy matchups for the four-time defending champions and few missable matchups on the overall schedule. The competition format — where point differential will matter substantially to determine two wild-card teams that advance to the quarterfinals — also makes every moment matter.