All 12 players in the French lineup play in the NBA or EuroLeague, including the top two picks from last year’s NBA draft.
That game was almost marred by politics, with Israeli fans reportedly prevented from bringing in a flag and some spectators booing the Hatikvah.
Following the stunning 82-69 win, Hapoel Tel Aviv forward Tomer Ginat said: “No one will boo the Israeli anthem.”
Israel's only loss came against Poland in an agonising two-point defeat last week.
Last time the blue-and-white reached this stage (back in 2015), they were bundled out in their first knockout game by Italy.
Nonetheless, under the leadership of talismanic Israeli-Serbian power forward Deni Avdija, of the NBA's Portland Trailblazers, the team has now emerged as something of a dark horse pick to take home the trophy.
They will play Slovenia in their final group stage match tomorrow at 4pm (6pm IST), before the knockout rounds begin on September 6.
All games can be live-streamed via the FIBA website in eligible nations. Fans can also consult the site for information on their local broadcaster, where the stream is unavailable.
