French coach: Parker is fine, was rested against U.S.

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There was one huge absence in Sunday's lineup, in advance of tip-off between the U.S. and France.

Tony Parker wasn't starting, and as the game went on, remained stapled to the bench. He even left at one point, before returning to cheer on his teammates in a hotly contested 100-97 loss to the United States.

After the game, French coach Vincent Collet clarified to reporters that Parker was just resting, and that his star point guard is "fine."

With games being played every other day, giving the 34-year-old point guard a breather isn't a bad idea. Parker's performed short of his best in Rio, but has still been one of France's best players with averages of 13.5 points and 3.8 assists.

With France losing by just three points on Sunday, Parker might have made the difference against the mighty Americans.