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Team USA are the favorites to win the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, there are a few teams that could make things difficult for the star-studded team.
As expected, Team USA have brought together remarkable talents from the NBA to give themselves the best chance of winning the gold medal in the summer games. Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal are some of the superstars who will suit up for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
With the group stage decided and tip-off slated for July 24, Team USA know which opposition they will face early in the tournament. Regardless, nothing short of dominance is expected from Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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Which teams could pose a threat to Team USA's shot at winning the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
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Although Team USA have brought together some of the most exciting talents in the world of basketball, developing the right chemistry might be their biggest challenge. They suffered one of their greatest upsets on Saturday after falling to Team Nigeria in an exhibition match ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Checkout: USA Olympic Basketball Team 2021
While many could write that off as just an exhibition match, other competitors now know that Team USA can be beaten. The team have a series of exhibition matches lined up, where they'll hope to develop a synergy before tip-off at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
On that note, here are three teams that could cause Team USA the most problems in their quest for gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
#3 Slovenia
Slovenia is home to Luka Doncic, who will perhaps be the face of the NBA for the next decade. Doncic's heroics helped Team Slovenia reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Also Check out: Slovenia Olympic Basketball Team 2021
Although Doncic is the star of the team, the Slovenians have multiple offensive scorers who might prove difficult to contend with. Mike Tobey is worthy of mention, as he averaged double-doubles in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.
With such offensive firepower at their disposal, it might turn out to be a scoring fest if Slovenia square off against Team USA in the tournament. While they are not favorites to win the gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, they are capable of denting the gold-medal hopes of Team USA.
#2 France
France will pursue another medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after winning the bronze at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. With the presence of a few elite NBA players, France are a genuine contender for the gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Also Check out: France Olympic Basketball Team 2021
USA will face France on July 25 in a 2020 Tokyo Olympics Group-A bout. With both teams favorites to emerge from the group, there is a likelihood that they could meet further ahead in the competition.
France have options in offense, but they are more dominant in defense. If USA can overcome Team France's masterful defense and make a few stops, they will fancy their chances of beating the European team. However, it is easier said than done, as France have Rudy Gobert, the NBA's 2021 Defensive Player of the Year winner.
Other notable NBA players who will suit up for France at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are Nicolas Batum, shooting guard Evan Fournier and Frank Ntilikina.
Whoever wins that bout will have the edge if both teams meet later in the competition. Although Team USA have the superior squad overall, Gobert and his counterparts cannot be written off in the race for the gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
#1 Spain
Spain will undoubtedly give Team USA the most problems at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics if the two teams' paths cross. They are likely to meet because the two teams are the no. 1 and 2-ranked national basketball teams in the world.
Also Check out: Spain Olympic Basketball Team 2021
Notable Spaniards like the Gasol brothers, Ricky Rubio and Willy Hernangomez will suit up once again for Team Spain. Considering the quality and experience in the Spanish roster, they will be formidable gold medal contenders at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Unless the basketball gods decide to give us a treat early in the competition, both teams are likely to square off in the gold-medal match at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics basketball competition. However, a draw will determine if both teams meet before the final.
The Spanish team is expected to return from the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a medal. Which hue they end up with remains to be seen, though.
