France’s men’s basketball team is poised for a historic moment as they progress to the gold-medal match of the 2024 Paris Olympics following 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 has advanced to the final in men’s basketball, setting the stage for a momentous showdown on home soil.
This achievement follows a tumultuous group stage for the French team, which saw them barely edge past Japan and suffer a significant loss at the hands of Germany earlier in the tournament. However, France showcased resilience and determination in the subsequent knockout stages. Their path to the final included a victory over Canada in the quarterfinals, ultimately leading to their rematch against Germany, where they managed to turn the tables.
Battle on the Court
The semifinal clash against Germany was anything but smooth for France. What seemed to be a comfortable lead was threatened as Germany managed to close a 13-point deficit late in the game. Nevertheless, standout performances from key players helped France maintain their hold and secure a spot in the gold-medal match.
Wembanyama’s Crucial Role
Victor Wembanyama, the young sensation, played a pivotal role despite not having his best shooting performance. Wembanyama concluded the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, though he hit only 4 of 17 from the floor. His defensive prowess, however, proved crucial. In the fourth quarter, Wembanyama blocked a critical three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder and followed it up with another block on Schroder’s drive towards the rim.
Reflecting on the magnitude of their victory, Wembanyama shared, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” highlighting the weight of the moment and the team’s determination to seize this golden opportunity.
Team Effort
France's success in the semifinal was a true team effort. Guerschon Yabusele led the scoring with 17 points, supplemented by seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, demonstrating the depth of talent in the squad. In a strategic move, head coach Vincent Collet opted to limit Rudy Gobert’s minutes, playing him for only five minutes against Germany and three minutes in the preceding match against Canada. This allowed Mathias Lessort to step in and play significant minutes off the bench, providing the team with crucial support.
A Historic Opportunity
France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. Having competed for gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, France is striving to capture their first-ever Olympic gold in men’s basketball. The significance of this moment is not lost on the team or its supporters, who have rallied behind them throughout the tournament.
The backdrop of the 2024 Paris Olympics, coupled with France’s quest for their maiden gold medal, adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming final. As the team prepares for their ultimate challenge, the spirit and resolve displayed thus far suggest they are ready to embrace this rare opportunity and etch their names in the annals of Olympic basketball history.