Canada's hopes for men's basketball gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed in a tough quarterfinal match against France, marking a disappointing end to their Olympic journey. The game laid bare several challenges and shortcomings that the team encountered, despite coming in as eight-point favorites.
Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
From the outset, Canada found itself on the back foot, struggling against a ferocious French defense. France held Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter, stifling their offensive rhythm and setting a daunting pace. By halftime, the deficit had widened considerably, with Canada trailing 45-29.
Leading Canada’s offense, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up a commendable performance with 27 points. However, his efforts were not enough to close the gap. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," lamented Gilgeous-Alexander post-game, reflecting on the team's early struggles.
French Stars Shine
Key contributions from French players further exacerbated Canada's woes. Guerschon Yabusele led the charge for France with 22 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess. Evan Fournier added a significant 15 points off the bench, and NBA standout Victor Wembanyama chipped in seven points. Although Rudy Gobert saw limited action, playing just three minutes, his presence was felt on the court.
France’s ability to distribute the scoring load proved instrumental in their 82-73 victory over Canada. Their defense not only stymied Canada's early offensive efforts but also kept the entire team under constant pressure, forcing numerous turnovers and poor shooting decisions.
Canada's Offensive Woes
Canada's offensive struggles were not limited to this game alone. Jamal Murray, a key player for the team, had been averaging a meager 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field throughout the tournament. Against France, he managed just seven points on a disappointing 3 of 13 shooting. Over the course of the tournament, Murray went a dismal 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts.
Despite these difficulties, RJ Barrett contributed 16 points, but no other Canadian player managed to reach double figures in scoring. The bench provided only 16 points, highlighting the team's lack of depth and over-reliance on its starters.
A Disappointing Exit
Canada finished the game with as many assists as turnovers—14 each—illustrating the lack of ball movement and the static nature of their offense. In contrast, although France turned the ball over 17 times, they still found ways to capitalize on Canada's shortcomings.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez did not mince words in his post-game analysis. "We didn’t match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Fernandez stated, critiquing the team’s lack of cohesion and effort.
A Long Road Back
This Olympic appearance marked Canada's first since the 2000 Sydney Games, and it was a significant step for the national program. However, the outcome was a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. The absence of some key players, such as incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey who opted out to focus on his debut season with the Memphis Grizzlies, added to the team's challenges.
Canadian forward Lu Dort expressed the collective disappointment. "It's really disappointing. We had goals to get all the way to the end. When it gets cut short, it’s tough, and we have to live with it. We have to do whatever it takes to get back in four years," Dort said, looking ahead to future opportunities for redemption.
As the dust settles on their Olympic run, Canada's men's basketball team must now reflect on their Paris performance and build toward a brighter future. From key player performances to strategic adjustments, there is much to consider as they aim to return to Olympic competition with renewed vigor and a clearer vision of success.