Team USA (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 17 points, nine in an early third-quarter flurry that broke open the game, and the United States beat France 86-55 on Sunday in its only home exhibition before the world championships.

Rudy Gay had 19 points to lead the Americans, who started slowly
in their first tuneup before running away from the French in the
second half. Billups, one of the few players on the roster with
international experience, made three 3-pointers while playing just
15 minutes.

Kevin Durant added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Americans, who open the world championships on Aug. 28 against Croatia.

Boris Diaw scored 15 points for France, which surrendered a 16-4
run early in the third quarter after staying close with the Americans in the first half.