Tokyo 2020 Basketball: Complete Guide to Teams, Schedule and Results

As I sat down to watch the Tokyo 2020 basketball tournaments, I couldn't help but reflect on how much the landscape had changed since the Rio Games. The pandemic-delayed event felt like a strange mix of familiar excitement and unprecedented circumstances, with empty arenas creating an eerie atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the intensity on court. I've been covering international basketball for over a decade now, and I must admit, this tournament had me more emotionally invested than any previous edition - perhaps because we'd all been starved of top-level international competition for so long.

The men's tournament featured twelve teams divided into three groups of four, while the women's competition followed a similar structure. What struck me immediately was the parity across both tournaments - gone were the days when Team USA could simply show up and dominate. In the men's group stage, we witnessed one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history when France defeated the United States 83-76 in their opening game. I remember watching that game late at night, absolutely stunned as Evan Fournier dropped 28 points against the star-studded American lineup. The French team's defensive intensity throughout the tournament was something to behold, holding opponents to just 79.2 points per game while forcing an average of 14.3 turnovers.

One story that particularly captured my attention was that of Philippine athlete Kiefer Ravena, though he ultimately didn't compete in Tokyo. The reference to his injury situation - initially being fitted with a walking boot, then still not receiving medical clearance even after its removal - reminded me how fragile athletes' Olympic dreams can be. Having covered Ravena's career since his college days, I know how devastating this must have been for the pride of Valenzuela City. These behind-the-scenes stories of athletes battling through adversity often get lost in the final results, but they're what make the Olympics so compelling.

The women's tournament delivered what I consider the most exciting gold medal game in recent memory. Team USA's 90-75 victory over Japan wasn't as straightforward as the score suggests - Japan led after the first quarter and kept the game competitive until the final period. Breanna Stewart's performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. What impressed me most about the American women was their depth - when one player struggled, another stepped up. Their roster featured seven players scoring in double figures throughout the tournament, demonstrating a balanced attack that proved impossible to defend.

Looking at the medal distribution, the United States claimed gold in both tournaments, but the paths to those victories couldn't have been more different. The men's team needed several clutch performances, particularly from Kevin Durant who averaged 20.7 points per game, while the women's team dominated throughout, winning by an average margin of 16.3 points. Slovenia's debut appearance deserves special mention - led by Luka Dončić's triple-double in their opening game against Argentina, they captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide before eventually falling to France in the semifinals.

The scheduling presented unique challenges with games spread across multiple venues including the Saitama Super Arena, which hosted the majority of contests. I found the early morning local time slots unusual but understandable given the global television audience. The condensed schedule due to COVID-19 protocols meant teams had limited recovery time between games, testing their depth and conditioning in ways we haven't seen in previous Olympics.

From a tactical perspective, the international three-point line clearly didn't bother the shooters. Team USA converted at 38.8% from beyond the arc in the men's tournament, while Australia shot an impressive 41.3% in their bronze medal run. The game continues to evolve at the international level, with teams placing greater emphasis on spacing and perimeter shooting rather than relying solely on traditional post play.

As the tournaments progressed, several players emerged as breakout stars. Italy's Simone Fontecchio averaged 19.3 points per game while shooting 46.7% from three-point range, performances that undoubtedly raised his profile ahead of NBA free agency. On the women's side, Japan's Himawari Akaho provided consistent production with 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest, playing crucial minutes in their surprising run to the silver medal.

The closing stages of both tournaments delivered memorable moments that will be replayed for years to come. The men's gold medal game saw Team USA avenge their group stage loss to France with an 87-82 victory, sealed by several key defensive stops in the final minutes. The women's final provided a fitting sendoff for Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who captured their fifth consecutive gold medals - an incredible achievement that may never be matched.

Reflecting on the complete Tokyo 2020 basketball experience, what stands out most is the resilience displayed by everyone involved. From organizers adapting to unprecedented health protocols to athletes performing at their peak despite empty arenas, the tournaments succeeded against considerable odds. While the absence of fans created a unusual atmosphere, the quality of basketball remained exceptional throughout. These Games demonstrated that international competition continues to narrow the gap with traditional powerhouses, setting up fascinating storylines for Paris 2024. The memories of Tokyo will linger - both the spectacular on-court action and the poignant stories of athletes like Ravena, whose Olympic journey was cut short by circumstances beyond their control.