France’s men’s basketball team has secured a spot in the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation has advanced to the final in men’s basketball, creating a wave of excitement among French fans.
France's Journey to the Finals
The path to this historic moment was anything but smooth for France. They navigated a turbulent group stage, narrowly escaping with a victory against Japan and suffering a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament. However, their resilience came to the fore as they defeated Canada in the quarterfinals, setting up the semifinal rematch with Germany.
Avenging the Past
In a game fraught with tension, France managed to avenge their earlier loss to Germany. The semifinal match saw France leading by as much as 13 points before Germany mounted a late-game comeback, closing the gap and keeping French fans on the edge of their seats. Despite the scare, France held on to secure their place in the final.
Key Performances
Victor Wembanyama was a key contributor in the match, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Although he struggled with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, his defensive prowess shone through at critical moments. Wembanyama made a crucial block on a 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter and followed it up by blocking Schroder again on a drive towards the rim.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” The emotional weight of potentially winning France's first-ever gold medal in men’s basketball was palpable. “It’s a chance to write history,” he added, speaking to the resolve and focus of the team.
Strategic Moves
Head coach Vincent Collet made strategic decisions that paid off. Notably, he opted to sit Rudy Gobert, who played only minimal minutes against both Germany and Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort stepped up, playing significant minutes off the bench. This adjustment proved beneficial as France's lineup adapted to the demands of the game.
Leading Scorers
On the offensive end, Guerschon Yabusele led the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, offering a strong presence throughout the game. Isaia Cordinier was also instrumental, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, solidifying France’s attack against a formidable German team.
Ahead to the Gold-Medal Match
Looking ahead, France awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. This will be the second time in recent history that France competes for the gold, having done so in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, the elusive gold medal has remained out of their grasp throughout Olympic history.
The excitement and anticipation build as France stands on the brink of making history on their home turf. As Wembanyama and his teammates prepare for the final showdown, the nation rallies behind them, hoping to witness a momentous victory on the world’s biggest stage. France’s journey to this point showcases their resilience, strategic adaptability, and unwavering spirit, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable gold-medal clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics.