France’s men's basketball team has secured a spot in the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics following a thrilling 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for the gold in men’s basketball.
France's journey to the final has not been without its challenges. The team experienced a turbulent group stage, barely scraping through against Japan and suffering an earlier significant loss to Germany. However, they found their stride in the knockout stages, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals before avenging their group-stage loss to Germany in the semifinals.
Key Performances and Tactical Moves
Victor Wembanyama emerged as a crucial player despite his struggles from the field, hitting only 4 of 17 shots. He contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Wembanyama’s defensive prowess shone in the decisive moments, blocking a three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by another block on Schroder's drive towards the rim. Reflecting on the victory, Wembanyama noted, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” underscoring the emotional weight of the win.
Frank Ntilikina played a pivotal role by sinking a three-pointer immediately after Wembanyama's critical stop, providing France with much-needed breathing room. Guerschon Yabusele also delivered a standout performance, leading the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, reinforcing France's offensive and defensive efforts.
Strategic Decisions
Head coach Vincent Collet made some bold decisions, opting to limit the minutes of star center Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort emerged from the bench to play significant minutes, contributing effectively to the team’s overall performance.
Germany proved to be a resilient opponent, cutting down a 13-point deficit late in the game and scoring 28 points in the paint. However, France held their ground, displaying tenacity and tactical acumen to secure the victory.
A Shot at History
With the victory, France has positioned itself for a chance to make history at the Paris Olympics. Reflecting on the opportunity ahead, Wembanyama said, “It’s a chance to write history,” conveying the team's resolve and focus. This moment is particularly significant as France has never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history, despite competing for the gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
France now awaits the outcome of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. Regardless of who they face, the French team and their fervent fans are ready for a historic showdown.