The US will play France for the basketball crown in Paris

PARIS (AP) — It’s a game the French wanted. It’s a game the Americans probably expected. It’s a game the world most certainly will be watching.

The U.S. vs. France. In Paris. For basketball gold.

“Incredible,” U.S. forward Kevin Durant said of the storyline, one so good that only the boldest of script makers would dare to come up with such a final act. The showdown on Saturday night at the Paris Olympics is a rematch of the gold medal game from the Tokyo Games three years ago.

The U.S. is seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal and 17th overall; the French are seeking their first gold after settling for silver at the 1948, 2000 and 2020 Olympics, losing the final to the Americans in each of those tournaments.

“I mean, this is what everybody wants, right?” U.S. guard Devin Booker said. “It’s going to be a fun one.”

Added U.S. guard Stephen Curry: “I know it's going to be a battle. That's what it's supposed to be if you're trying to win a gold medal.”

Both teams ran the emotional gamut just to get to the final. France hel...