Three keys to winning gold for U.S. men's Olympic basketball team

To counter this rim pressure, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr should deploy a dual-big lineup featuring any two of Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis when Yabusele and Cordinier are sharing the court. This approach would clog the paint, preventing easy driving opportunities and forcing France to rely on its poor shooting from a distance.

2. Involve Wembanyama defensively

It might seem counterintuitive, but engaging France's best defensive player in offensive sets could be key for the United States to neutralize Wembanyama's impact. With Rudy Gobert expected to have a minimal role ( nine minutes in the past two games), the 2023 No. 1 overall pick is France's primary rim protector. 

Team USA arguably has the greatest perimeter threats and slashers at its disposal. If the Americans can draw Wembanyama out to the perimeter and involve his man in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop sets, this will take away Wembanyama's biggest strength in altering shots at the rim and free up the paint for more cutting opportunities and easier baskets. 

1. Lock in from the jump 

France must play a perfect game to beat the United States, and even that may not be enough given the Americans' talent edge.

"I'm really humbled to have been a part of this game," Kerr said after the win over the Serbs, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. "It's one of the greatest basketball games I've ever been a part of. They were perfect. They played a perfect game."

Team USA's biggest challenge is playing with an acceptable level of effort, especially early. So, to avoid another close call like their game against Serbia, the Americans must remain poised, especially with France enjoying homecourt advantage. 

But, if the United States follows the keys above, it will likely avoid the colossal disappointment of a silver medal and come home with gold.