France to Compete for Gold in 2024 Paris Olympics
France's men's basketball team is headed to the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first occasion since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for the gold in men’s basketball.
The road to the final was anything but smooth for the French squad, who experienced a turbulent group stage characterized by a narrow escape against Japan and a significant loss to Germany. However, the team found its rhythm in the knockout stages, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their earlier loss to Germany with a resilient performance in the semifinals.
Leading the charge for France was the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama, who despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Wembanyama's defensive prowess shone brightly in the fourth quarter, where he blocked a crucial three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder and followed it up by blocking Schroder again on a drive towards the rim.
"The fans made it hard for me not to cry," Wembanyama said, reflecting on the emotions following the significant victory. "It’s a chance to write history," he added, emphasizing the team's resolve and focus as they look forward to the gold-medal game.
Frank Ntilikina also played a key role, drilling a three-pointer immediately after Wembanyama’s pivotal defensive stand. France, however, faced a tense moment as Germany managed to close a 13-point deficit late in the game, underscoring the competitive nature of the semifinal clash.
Head coach Vincent Collet made a notable tactical decision, opting to keep Rudy Gobert on the bench for most of the game. Gobert, a cornerstone in France’s defense, played only five minutes against Germany and saw limited action with just three minutes on the court against Canada in the quarterfinals. Instead, Mathias Lessort stepped up with significant minutes off the bench.
Guerschon Yabusele emerged as France's top scorer in the semifinal, contributing 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made a substantial impact, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, showcasing the depth and versatility of the French roster.
Germany fought valiantly, scoring 28 points in the paint, but their efforts fell short against a determined French defense. The decisive victory propels France to the gold-medal game, where they await the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match. France, which competed for the gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has yet to secure a gold medal in men’s basketball in the history of the Olympic Games.
The upcoming final presents an opportunity for France to etch their names in the annals of Olympic basketball history. With hometown support and a blend of young talent and experienced players, the French team is poised to deliver a performance to remember on the world’s biggest stage.