In a thrilling contest that kept basketball aficionados on the edge of their seats, France’s men’s basketball team secured their place in the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for the gold in men’s basketball, imbuing the occasion with historical significance and national pride.
Overcoming Group Stage Woes
The journey to the finals was anything but smooth for France. The team experienced a turbulent group stage, narrowly escaping an early exit with a precarious win over Japan and suffering a substantial loss to Germany. Despite these setbacks, France showcased resilience and determination, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their earlier loss to Germany when it mattered most.
Game Highlights
Throughout the semifinals, France demonstrated fortitude and strategic brilliance, highlighted by a critical performance from their young star Victor Wembanyama. Although Wembanyama struggled with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, he contributed significantly in other areas. The promising talent amassed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three crucial blocks.
One of the game's pivotal moments came in the fourth quarter when Wembanyama blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder, followed by another block on Schroder’s drive to the rim. These defensive stands catalyzed Frank Ntilikina, who then drained a three-pointer to extend France’s lead, showcasing the team's synergy and determination.
Germany kept the contest tight, pulling within a 13-point deficit late in the game. They managed to score 28 points in the paint, exploiting moments of defensive lapse by France. However, head coach Vincent Collet's strategic decisions, including limiting the playing time of Rudy Gobert to just five minutes, paid dividends. Mathias Lessort filled the gap off the bench, providing essential minutes and support.
Key Performances and Team Effort
Guerschon Yabusele led the French squad with 17 points, complemented by seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made significant contributions, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The combined efforts of these players underscored a collective will to win and a balance in both offense and defense.
Reflecting on the game's emotional aftermath, Wembanyama shared, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” underscoring the significance of the victory on home soil. He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” capturing the sense of resolve and focus within the team as they set their sights on the ultimate prize.
Awaiting the Final Opponent
With this victory, France awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal clash to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. Regardless of who they face, France will be aiming to break new ground, as they have never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in the history of the Olympics. Their last appearance in a final came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and this time, they hope to transcend their past performances.
As France prepares for the culminating challenge that could redefine their basketball legacy, the team remains focused and inspired. The anticipation is palpable, and with the support of their fervent fans, France is on the brink of potentially immortalizing this campaign in the annals of sport. The stage is set for a compelling finale, and all eyes will be on Paris as the basketball world watches history unfold.