France’s men’s basketball team has taken a monumental step towards securing a historic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a nail-biting 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, the French team is poised to showcase their talents in the final showdown, marking the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation has advanced to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
A Turbulent Road to the Finals
The journey to the final game was anything but smooth for France. During a turbulent group stage, the team barely escaped with a win against Japan and suffered a significant loss to Germany. However, resilience has been a defining trait of this French squad. In the quarterfinals, France managed to defeat Canada, setting the stage for an intense rematch against Germany in the semifinals. Avenging their earlier loss, France held off a late surge by Germany, who had closed a 13-point deficit to make it a close game.
Stars Step Up Amid High Stakes
Rising star Victor Wembanyama was a key contributor in the semifinals, tallying 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three crucial blocks. Although Wembanyama struggled with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, his defensive efforts were pivotal in the team’s success. A critical moment came when he blocked a three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, which was immediately followed by a significant three-pointer from Frank Ntilikina. Wembanyama wasn't done; he later blocked Schroder again on a drive towards the rim, solidifying France's defensive stronghold.
“The fans made it hard for me not to cry. It’s a chance to write history,” Wembanyama reflected on the significance of the victory and the opportunity that lies ahead for the team.
Key Contributions from Bench and Strategy Adjustments
France’s head coach Vincent Collet made noteworthy strategic adjustments throughout the semifinals. Opting to sit Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada, Collet leaned heavily on Mathias Lessort, who provided significant minutes off the bench. This calculated risk paid off, as the balanced inside-outside game kept Germany at bay.
Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the team's leading scorer with 17 points, complemented by seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also stepped up with a vital contribution of 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Their efforts, alongside the impressive play of their teammates, helped secure France’s place in the gold-medal game.
Awaiting the Final Showdown
France now eagerly awaits the outcome of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. The anticipation is palpable as France aims to achieve what no French men’s basketball team has ever accomplished: winning an Olympic gold medal. Notably, France competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but fell short. This time, with home-court advantage, the stakes are higher, and the team’s resolve is stronger.
The journey to the finals has been marked by perseverance, strategic brilliance, and standout performances from both seasoned players and rising stars. With one game standing between them and Olympic glory, the French men's basketball team is on the brink of writing a new chapter in the annals of sports history.