Jayson Tatum played an important role in the United States men's basketball team beating France in the gold medal game at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Friday night.
The Boston Celtics star scored 19 points (8-of-14 shooting) -- second only to Kevin Durant's game-high 29 points -- with a team-high seven rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. He also was a team-best plus-12 in those minutes.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Tatum's 3-point shot with 3:25 remaining put Team USA up 82-72, a lead they would ultimately protect in a 87-82 victory.
The United States lost its first preliminary round game at the Olympics to France after blowing a second-half lead. Since that defeat, the Americans closed the Olympics with a five-game win streak, including revenge against France.
Team USA has now won four consecutive gold medals in men's Olympic basketball.
Boston Celtics
Find the latest Boston Celtics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Former Celtics wing Evan Fournier and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert led France with 16 points apiece.
