In a riveting semifinal showdown marked by intense moments of triumph and tension, France’s men’s basketball team clinched a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold-medal game, emerging victorious over Germany with a narrow 73-69 win. This landmark achievement sees the host nation advancing to the gold-medal game for the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, underscoring a historic journey for the French squad.
The path to the final was far from straightforward for France. The team faced a turbulent group stage, highlighted by a narrow escape against Japan and a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament. However, the French squad demonstrated resilience, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their previous defeat by overcoming Germany in the semis.
A Thrilling Semifinal
In a game fraught with dramatic twists, France faced an early scare as Germany closed a 13-point deficit late in the game. Despite this pressure, standout performances helped France secure their triumph. Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, played a critical role.
Wembanyama's contribution was particularly pivotal in the fourth quarter. Despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, his defensive prowess shone as he blocked a crucial three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder. Moments later, Frank Ntilikina capitalized on Wembanyama’s defensive stand by scoring a vital three-pointer, bolstering France’s lead. Wembanyama again denied Schroder on a drive towards the rim, further solidifying France’s defensive stronghold. Reflecting on the victory, Wembanyama noted, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” underscoring the emotional and historic significance of the win.
Strategic Moves and Key Players
Head coach Vincent Collet made strategic decisions crucial to the team’s success. Collet opted to sit star player Rudy Gobert, who only played limited minutes against Germany and Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort stepped up, delivering significant contributions off the bench.
Notably, Guerschon Yabusele led the team with an impressive performance, scoring 17 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and providing two assists. Isaia Cordinier also had a standout game, contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. These performances were vital in France's balanced and resilient gameplay.
A Chance to Make History
With this victory, France now eagerly awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. Reflecting the determination and focus of the team, Wembanyama stated, “It’s a chance to write history.”
This opportunity is particularly momentous for France, as the nation has never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympics history. The team came close in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, competing for the gold medal, but now stands on the precipice of potentially unprecedented achievement on home soil.
As the anticipation builds for the gold-medal game, the French team and their fans remain hopeful and motivated. The journey through the 2024 Paris Olympics has been a testament to the team's resilience, strategy, and skill. With the final game approaching, France’s men’s basketball team is set on making history, driven by their supporters and the significance of this potential triumph.