The anticipation is palpable in Paris as France’s men’s basketball team gears up for a historic showdown at the 2024 Olympics. After a gripping 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, France has positioned itself to compete for the coveted gold medal on home soil, marking the first such opportunity since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
France's journey to the final has been anything but smooth. The team faced a tumultuous group stage where they narrowly escaped an upset against Japan and suffered a substantial loss to Germany. However, resilience defined their campaign as they bounced back to defeat Canada in the quarterfinals and avenged their group stage loss to Germany in the semis.
Game Highlights: France vs. Germany
The semifinal match against Germany was a testament to the determination and grit of the French team. Despite a late-game surge from Germany that reduced a 13-point deficit, France managed to hold their ground, thanks in part to the efforts of Victor Wembanyama. The budding star contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, playing a crucial role in both offense and defense.
Wembanyama's shooting was not his strongest suit this game as he hit only 4 out of 17 shots from the floor. Yet, his defensive contributions were invaluable. He blocked a potential game-tying 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the critical moments of the fourth quarter. This defensive stand was quickly capitalized on by Frank Ntilikina, who nailed a three-pointer, further solidifying France's lead. Wembanyama added another block against Schroder on a drive towards the rim, underscoring his defensive prowess.
An unexpected strategic move by head coach Vincent Collet was to significantly limit the playing time of Rudy Gobert. The seasoned center saw only five minutes on the court against Germany and three minutes in the preceding game against Canada. In his stead, Mathias Lessort emerged as a key player off the bench, providing much-needed support.
France's offensive efforts were led by Guerschon Yabusele, who posted 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Isaia Cordinier added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Germany, however, found success in the paint, scoring 28 points in the area, indicating that France might need to tighten their inside defense in the upcoming final.
The Road Ahead
As France looks ahead to the gold-medal game, they await the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent. The stakes are high, and France's history in Olympic men’s basketball is on the line. Despite their strong performances in the past, including a run for the gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, France has never clinched the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Olympics.
For the players, the upcoming game is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to etch their names in history. Reflecting on the significance of the semifinal victory, Victor Wembanyama shared, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” capturing the emotional weight of the moment. He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” emphasizing the team's resolve and focus as they prepare for the ultimate challenge.
With the eyes of their nation upon them and the stakes higher than ever, France’s basketball team stands on the brink of Olympic glory. Whether they can seize this moment and carve their place in history remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the dedication, talent, and heart of this French squad make them formidable contenders for the gold.