USA hold little fear for France in basketball's showpiece

The French — the new official nemesis of USA Basketball — awaits the Americans in the gold-medal game on Saturday. France has won the last two meetings between the sides, denying the U.S. a chance to play for a medal at the 2019 Basketball World Cup and then winning again in both teams’ opener at the Tokyo Olympics.

 USA's Damian Lillard (L) looks on as teammate Devin Booker fights for a rebound with France's Rudy Gobert during the preliminary round basketball match between France and USA at the Saitama Super Arena

For USA Basketball, some eras will end Saturday. It will be Jerry Colangelo’s last game as managing director of the men’s national team. It’ll mark the end of Gregg Popovich’s commitment as the team’s coach. Some players will likely be wearing the U.S. jersey for the final time.

Change is coming.