Featuring NBA big-hitters such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant (pictured top) and LeBron James – the highest-earning athlete at these Olympics – the US came away with an easy 98-71 victory over France with First Lady Michelle Obama watching from the stands and joining a raucous crowd here in applauding the great entertainers of the Games.

It was Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder who spearheaded the charge for the overwhelming gold medal favourites as he claimed a game-high 22 points and nine rebounds in the one-sided affair.

Such was the ease of the victory for the defending champions that US head coach Mike Krzyzewski rested Bryant and James for the entire last quarter as the duo, widely considered the best two players on the planet, sat together smiling on the bench as they watched the final moments of their team's destruction of France.

Bryant admitted that it had been a phenomenal experience competing in front of a deafening, sell-out crowd at the Basketball Arena with the LA Lakers star set to be one of the key men in the US campaign.

First Lady Michelle Obama congratulates the US players following their win over France

"It's a huge honour playing for your country," said the 33-year-old.

"Playing for the Lakers is obviously pretty cool but when you play for the US and you have people like the First Lady showing up to your games, that's pretty awesome."

James revealed that scoring quickly on the counter-attack, which they did throughout the game, will be a key tactic for them throughout the Olympics.

"That's our strength," said the 27-year-old Miami Heat star.

"Getting the ball out in transition and supplying our scorers like Kobe and Kevin and allowing them to do what they do."

France's Ronny Turiaf admitted that there was little his side could do to prevent the onslaught from the world's top stars.

"If you pound it inside, then you have to guard LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and players like that," he confessed.

"It's a pick your poison situation."

Luol Deng was unable to inspire Britain to victory over Russia

There was similar disappointment for hosts Great Britain, who, despite a superb showing from their talisman Luol Deng, were defeated 95-75 by Russia in their opening match.

It was the first appearance by a British basketball team at the Olympics since London last hosted the Games in 1948 but despite deafening home support from the crowd, Russia proved too strong for Deng and his team-mates.

"It was a great atmosphere out there tonight and it is a shame we couldn't give the fans a win," said the 27-year-old Chicago Bulls small forward.

"Hopefully we can come back strong from this in our next game."

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