In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the 2024 Paris Olympics, France's men’s basketball team secured their place in the gold-medal game with a 73-69 victory over Germany. This achievement marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation has advanced to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
A Tumultuous Journey to the Final
France's path to the final was far from smooth. The group stage was marked by a narrow escape against Japan and a significant loss to Germany. However, the French squad displayed resilience and grit, avenging their earlier defeat by knocking out Canada in the quarterfinals and then edging out Germany in a nail-biting semifinal.
In the highly anticipated game against Germany, France faced an early scare as their opponents closed a 13-point deficit in the closing minutes. Despite this, the French team managed to hold their ground with key contributions from their star players. Victor Wembanyama was one of the standout performers, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. However, Wembanyama had a challenging night from the floor, making only 4 of his 17 attempts. His defensive prowess shone through, particularly in crucial moments in the fourth quarter where he blocked a pivotal three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder.
Key Performances and Strategic Decisions
Following Wembanyama’s defensive stand, Frank Ntilikina stepped up with a critical three-pointer, further extending France's lead. Wembanyama’s dominance continued as he blocked another drive by Schroder towards the rim, showcasing his defensive versatility and timing. Germany managed to score 28 points in the paint, revealing moments of vulnerability in France’s defense, but ultimately, France's collaborative effort prevailed.
Coach Vincent Collet made a bold strategic decision by limiting Rudy Gobert’s playing time. Gobert saw only five minutes of action against Germany and three minutes against Canada. Instead, Collet entrusted Mathias Lessort with significant minutes off the bench, a move that paid dividends for the French squad. Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the team’s leading scorer, contributing 17 points along with seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also had a strong performance, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Anticipation and Reflection
France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal matchup to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. The French team’s journey to this point is a testament to their tenacity and ability to overcome adversity. Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Victor Wembanyama expressed his emotions, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.”
Wembanyama also highlighted the historical importance of their upcoming game, stating, “It’s a chance to write history.” Indeed, France has never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history, though they came close in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This opportunity presents a momentous occasion for the team and the nation.
As the excitement builds and the city of Paris braces for the gold-medal clash, the French men’s basketball team stands on the cusp of an unprecedented achievement. With momentum on their side and home support behind them, France aims to seize this golden opportunity and etch their names in the annals of Olympic history.