Canada's aspirations for an Olympic gold medal in men's basketball were dashed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a quarterfinal loss to France. After entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada succumbed to an 82-73 defeat, failing to advance beyond their first appearance in the Olympics since the 2000 Sydney Games.
Despite heading into the matchup against France with high hopes, Canada struggled right from the start. The French defense effectively stymied Canada's offensive efforts, holding them to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, Canada found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 45-29. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a standout for Canada, leading with 27 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome France's defensive prowess.
French Defense Dominates
France’s strategy proved effective, particularly in the early stages of the game. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," said Gilgeous-Alexander, reflecting on the team’s slow start.
Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert were key figures in France’s defensive scheme. While Wembanyama contributed seven points, Gobert’s limited presence on the court, only playing three minutes, was counterbalanced by the significant contributions of other French players like Guerschon Yabusele and Evan Fournier. Yabusele led France with 22 points, while Fournier added 15 points off the bench.
Offensive Struggles for Canada
Canada's offense struggled to find rhythm and cohesion, reflecting their difficulties throughout the tournament. Jamal Murray’s performance encapsulated the team's woes; despite averaging 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field in the tournament, he managed only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting against France. His 3-point accuracy was particularly concerning, with just 2 successful attempts out of 14 during the entire tournament.
"We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," said head coach Jordi Fernandez, succinctly summarizing the team's challenges. Canada finished the game with an equal number of assists and turnovers, 14 each, which further highlighted their disjointed play. The team’s bench provided little relief, contributing just 16 points compared to the bench contributions of their opponents.
Missed Opportunities and Future Hopes
RJ Barrett was another notable performer for Canada, scoring 16 points. However, no other Canadian player reached double figures, a sharp contrast to a French team that saw contributions from multiple players. Lu Dort, a forward for Canada, expressed the team’s collective disappointment. "It's really disappointing. We had goals to get all the way to the end. When it gets cut short, it's tough and we have to live with it. We have to do whatever it takes to get back in four years," Dort stated.
Canada's Olympic journey was also affected by the absence of key players. Incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey had pulled out of the 2024 Olympic roster to focus on his debut season with the Memphis Grizzlies, a decision that perhaps left a void in Canada’s lineup.
As the team looks back at what could have been, there will be lessons to take forward. The next cycle becomes crucial for Canada to build on this experience, aiming for a stronger comeback in the future. For now, the focus shifts to learning and growth as the team regroups and sets its sights on the next Olympic cycle.