Canada will not be contending for the gold medal in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a heartbreaking defeat to France. Positioned on opposite ends of the brackets from Team USA after the group stage, Canada faced a challenging quarterfinal against the host nation. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, they couldn't live up to expectations and fell short against a resilient French squad.
Defensive Struggles and an Unfavorable Start
From the outset, it was clear that Canada faced an uphill battle. France's defense was formidable, limiting Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, Canada found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 45-29, a deficit they would not recover from. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with a valiant 27-point effort, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early setbacks.
Key Performances and Team Dynamics
Victor Wembanyama chipped in seven points for France, while veteran star Rudy Gobert played a brief three minutes. France's success was largely attributed to the dynamic scoring efforts of Guerschon Yabusele, who notched 22 points, and Evan Fournier, contributing 15 points off the bench. Canada's bench, in comparison, managed only 16 points with RJ Barrett adding another 16 points to the team's total. The lack of double-figure contributions from other Canadian players significantly hampered their offensive efforts.
Jamal Murray's performance was particularly underwhelming. Having averaged just 5.6 points and shooting a dismal 33.9% from the field during the tournament, Murray scored only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting against France. His 3-point attempts also fell short, with a dismal 2 for 14 conversion rate throughout the competition.
Turnovers and Team Dynamics
Canada's offensive challenges were compounded by their inability to take care of the ball. They ended the game with 14 assists, matching their 14 turnovers. France was not flawless in this regard either, turning the ball over 17 times, yet they managed to capitalize on their opportunities more effectively than Canada.
Reflecting on a Disappointing Outcome
Canada's head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed his disappointment, noting, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball." This lack of cohesion and energy was a sentiment echoed by the players. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," remarked Gilgeous-Alexander, reflecting on the team's sluggish start.
Lu Dort highlighted the emotional toll of the defeat, stating, "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." Canada's Olympic run in Paris marked their first appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games, a milestone that added to the sting of their early exit.
Looking Ahead
One notable absence was incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who pulled out from the 2024 Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Canada's journey to Paris had been marked by high hopes and a sense of renewal, but the challenge now lies in regrouping and building towards future successes. With young talents like Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett gaining invaluable experience, the foundation for a stronger comeback is being laid.
The disappointment in Paris will undoubtedly fuel Canada's determination and drive. The lessons learned and the experiences gained will contribute to their growth as they aim for redemption in future international contests.