The stage is set for France's men’s basketball team to potentially make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, France punched their ticket to the gold-medal game—a feat they haven't achieved since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
It’s been a roller-coaster journey for the host nation, marked by a turbulent group stage that saw them narrowly escape against Japan and suffer a significant loss to Germany. Yet, the team showed resilience, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their earlier defeat by overcoming Germany when it mattered most.
This semifinal clash against Germany wasn’t short of drama. France faced an early scare as Germany managed to close a 13-point deficit late in the game, bringing tension to fever pitch. However, France's defensive strategies, led by the young prodigy Victor Wembanyama, ultimately held firm. Wembanyama contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, although he struggled with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor.
Despite his shooting woes, Wembanyama’s defensive presence was invaluable. He blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by another block on Schroder’s drive toward the rim, solidifying his impact on the game’s outcome. One of the pivotal moments post-Wembanyama's block was Frank Ntilikina's critical three-pointer, further shifting momentum in France's favor.
Key Contributions from the Bench
Head coach Vincent Collet made a strategic decision to limit Rudy Gobert’s playing time, sitting him for a major part of the game. Gobert played only five minutes against Germany and had a brief three-minute appearance against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort stepped up, playing significant minutes off the bench and contributing to both the defensive and offensive efforts.
Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the leading scorer with 17 points, adding seven rebounds and two assists to his stat sheet. Isaia Cordinier also provided substantial support, chipping in 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. These contributions were critical, demonstrating the depth and adaptability of the French team.
Eyes on the Prize
"The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” Victor Wembanyama reflected on the emotional significance of the victory. The young star underscored the team’s unity and determination with another poignant remark: "It’s a chance to write history."
France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal, and regardless of who they face, the team is poised with a sense of purpose. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw France competing valiantly for the gold medal, though ultimately falling short. Yet, the strive for a historic first gold in men’s basketball remains a potent motivation.
As France gears up for the final, the players and fans alike are buoyed by a renewed hope and determination. The journey has been arduous, filled with challenges and narrow escapes, but the potential reward—a historic gold medal on home soil—makes every struggle worthwhile.
With a combination of young talent, experienced strategists, and the fervent support of their fans, France aims to etch their names in the annals of Olympic history. As the countdown to the gold-medal game begins, the nation holds its breath, united in anticipation of what could be a landmark achievement in French basketball.