France’s men’s basketball team delivered an electrifying performance to secure their place in the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, edging past Germany with a nail-biting 73-69 victory in the semifinals. This triumph marks a historic occasion for the host nation, as it is the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that France has advanced to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
A Challenging Path to Victory
The road to the final was anything but smooth for France. The team experienced a turbulent group stage, barely scraping through with a narrow escape against Japan. They also suffered a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament, a defeat that seemed to haunt them as they prepared for the semifinal showdown. However, their resilience shone through as they defeated Canada in the quarterfinals, setting up an opportunity to avenge their previous loss to Germany.
The semifinal match against Germany was a hard-fought battle. Despite leading by 13 points at one stage, France faced a scare late in the game as Germany closed the gap, making it an intense and gripping encounter until the final buzzer.
Star Performances and Strategic Decisions
Victor Wembanyama was a central figure in France’s triumph, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Yet, his shooting was off, as he made only 4 of 17 attempts from the floor. However, Wembanyama’s defensive prowess was crucial in France’s victory. He blocked a critical 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by another decisive block on Schroder as he drove towards the rim.
Following Wembanyama’s defensive stand, Frank Ntilikina capitalized by scoring a pivotal three-pointer, further securing France’s lead. Guerschon Yabusele led the team offensively with 17 points, supplemented by seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made significant contributions, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
In terms of strategic decisions, head coach Vincent Collet made the surprising call to bench Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and three minutes in the quarterfinals against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort saw significant minutes off the bench, playing a crucial role in maintaining the team’s momentum and defensive stability.
A Historic Opportunity
Reflecting on the emotional victory, Victor Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” The young star’s sentiment encapsulates the significance of the moment for the team and the host nation. Wembanyama further emphasized the squad’s determination, stating, “It’s a chance to write history.”
France now eagerly waits to see who will emerge victorious from the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. Regardless of who they face, France’s confidence will be bolstered by their recent performances and the overwhelming support of their fans.
Past and Present
France last competed for the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but fell short of the ultimate prize. The nation has never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history, and the prospect of changing that narrative on home soil adds an extra layer of motivation and excitement.
As the final approaches, France’s blend of young talent and strategic acumen will be put to the ultimate test. With the echoes of past disappointments and the promise of historic achievement hanging in the balance, the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in French basketball history.