USA vs France Basketball Final Score and Key Highlights from the Epic Matchup
As I settled into my courtside seat in the bustling Abu Dhabi arena, the electric atmosphere reminded me why international basketball rivalries always deliver unforgettable drama. The USA vs France matchup had been circled on my calendar for months, and tonight's final score of 98-87 in favor of Team USA perfectly reflected the intensity we witnessed throughout the contest. What struck me most was how this game transcended typical international competition - it felt like a cultural event, particularly with the overwhelming Filipino presence in the stands. Having covered basketball across three continents, I've rarely seen such passionate overseas fan support for what was technically a neutral-site game.
The Filipino fans truly became the unofficial third team tonight, creating an atmosphere that would make any NBA arena jealous. Their presence wasn't surprising given how deeply basketball is woven into Filipino culture, but the sheer volume of their support - I'd estimate at least 8,000 strong - transformed the Middle Eastern arena into something resembling Manila's famous Araneta Coliseum. From my perspective, their energy directly influenced the game's flow, particularly during the third quarter when France mounted their comeback. The way they cheered for spectacular plays regardless of which team made them demonstrated true basketball appreciation beyond national allegiances. I found myself particularly impressed by their knowledge of both teams' players, shouting out defensive assignments and offensive sets with the insight of seasoned coaches.
Speaking of the game itself, the statistical breakdown reveals why Team USA ultimately prevailed. Stephen Curry's 34-point performance on 11-of-18 shooting, including 8 three-pointers, provided the offensive firepower that France simply couldn't match. Having watched Curry throughout his career, tonight's performance ranked among his most clutch international showings. The turning point came with 6:24 remaining in the fourth quarter when Curry hit three consecutive three-pointers in a 90-second span, extending what had been a precarious 4-point lead to a comfortable 13-point cushion. France's Rudy Gobert put up respectable numbers with 22 points and 14 rebounds, but his impact felt diminished against USA's small-ball lineups that spaced the floor exceptionally well.
What many casual observers might miss when reviewing the box score is how the game's tempo dictated the outcome. Team USA's 18 fast-break points compared to France's 6 made the difference in a game that was otherwise statistically close. From my vantage point, France's half-court offense actually looked more polished for stretches, particularly during their second-quarter run where they outscored USA 28-21. However, USA's ability to convert defensive stops into immediate transition opportunities - what I like to call "panic points" - ultimately wore down the French squad. The third quarter featured three separate instances where France had cut the lead to 2 points or less, only for USA to respond with rapid-fire transitions that restored their advantage.
The organizational parallels to the Philippine Basketball Association added an intriguing subtext to the evening. When Filipino fans around me discussed the game, they frequently referenced how Ginebra's fast-paced style mirrored USA's approach, while San Miguel's methodical, physical play resembled France's tactics. Having studied the PBA extensively, I must agree with their assessment - there were moments when USA's ball movement and perimeter shooting reminded me precisely of Ginebra at their best, particularly during their Commissioner's Cup run last season. Meanwhile, France's interior-focused game plan and deliberate pace evoked memories of San Miguel's championship pedigree. This contextual understanding from the Filipino spectators enriched my viewing experience, demonstrating how global basketball narratives often intersect in fascinating ways.
Defensively, USA's adjustment to switch everything in the fourth quarter proved decisive. Coach Kerr's decision to go with a smaller lineup featuring Tatum at the power forward position created mismatches that France couldn't solve in the game's crucial minutes. The stats show France shot just 38% in the final period, including 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. From my perspective watching live, the defensive communication and rotation discipline during those final minutes represented the highest level of international basketball I've witnessed since the 2012 Olympics. The way USA's defenders navigated screens and recovered to shooters demonstrated years of built chemistry, something I've noticed distinguishes American teams in late-game situations.
As the final buzzer sounded, what stayed with me wasn't just the quality of basketball but the cultural exchange happening in the stands. The Filipino fans, while clearly enjoying the spectacle, seemed to be mentally cataloguing strategies and techniques they'd seen - I overheard numerous detailed discussions about offensive sets and defensive schemes that would put many analysts to shame. This marriage of passionate fandom with technical understanding represents what makes international basketball so special. The final score tells one story, but the complete narrative encompasses so much more - the cultural intersections, the tactical innovations, and the shared appreciation for beautiful basketball across national boundaries. Having covered this sport for fifteen years, tonight reinforced why I fell in love with basketball journalism - some games transcend competition and become something closer to art.