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Parker's heroics rescue France from disastrous start at Rio 2016

REUTERS/Jim Young

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Veteran point guard Tony Parker delivered when his country needed him most.

Serbia led for the entire fourth quarter before Parker put France on top with a clutch jumper with 30 seconds left. France would eventually hold on for a 76-75 victory to improve its record to 2-1 on the tournament.

A loose ball happened to find its way into Parker's hands with the shot clock dwindling, and the four-time NBA champion made no mistake as he launched the game-winner over the outstretched arms of a Serbian defender.

The fortuitous bounce created the opportunity for Parker's dagger, but Serbia only has itself to blame after squandering two golden chances to recapture the lead.

Sacramento Kings prospect Bogdan Bogdanovic committed a silly turnover after dribbling into a double team. But instead of holding onto the ball and waiting to be fouled, France tried for an ill-fated alley-oop that rimmed out.

That created yet another chance at redemption for Bogdanovic, but his rushed 3-point attempt bounced out as the final buzzer sounded.

The loss dropped Serbia to 1-2 on the tournament, which puts it in peril of bowing out in the group stages. It will need at least one victory in its final two games against China and the United States to advance.

As for Les Bleus, Parker's heroics essentially clinched a spot in the knockout stages. Another win in their final two group-stage games against Venezuela or the United States should see France through.

Four French players scored in double digits, led by 22 points from shooting guard Nando de Colo, who scored off a crafty post-up to set up Parker's shot.

Parker himself only had six points and two assists on the night, but his last two points determined the game.

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