France’s men’s basketball team has secured a place in the gold-medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a historic moment for the host nation with a 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This victory guarantees that France will compete for gold on home soil, a significant feat not achieved since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The road to this achievement was not smooth. France's run in the group stage of the tournament was fraught with challenges, beginning with a narrow win against Japan and a notable defeat to Germany. The resilience of the French team shone through as they defeated Canada in the quarterfinals, setting up a rematch against Germany in the semifinals. This time, France emerged victorious, avenging their prior loss.
Turning the Tide
France appeared in control with a solid 13-point lead late in the game. However, Germany launched a tenacious comeback effort, shrinking the gap and instilling urgency in the French squad. Victor Wembanyama played a critical role in anchoring the defense, finishing the game with a notable stat line of 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Despite a subpar shooting performance, hitting only 4 of 17 attempts from the floor, Wembanyama’s defensive prowess proved invaluable.
In a pivotal moment during the fourth quarter, Wembanyama blocked a crucial three-point attempt by Germany's Dennis Schroder, which was quickly followed by a successful three-pointer from Frank Ntilikina. This sequence shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the French team. Wembanyama continued to assert his dominance by blocking Schroder again on a subsequent drive to the rim.
Strategic Decisions and Key Performances
Head coach Vincent Collet made a controversial yet impactful decision by largely benching Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany following three minutes on the court in their match against Canada. The move allowed Mathias Lessort to step up with significant playing minutes off the bench, contributing to France's defensive and offensive schemes.
Leading the scoring for France was Guerschon Yabusele, who delivered a standout performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also played a crucial role, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, showcasing the depth and versatility of the French roster.
Emotional Victory and Future Prospects
For Victor Wembanyama, the victory was particularly emotional. “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” he reflected, underscoring the significance of this victory for both the team and the host nation. Wembanyama also highlighted the historic opportunity ahead, stating, “It’s a chance to write history,” reflecting the resolve and focus within the team as they prepare for the final showdown.
As France awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game, the anticipation and excitement continue to build. This marks France’s second consecutive Olympic final, having competed for gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, though they have yet to claim the ultimate prize in men’s basketball in their Olympic history.
With the support of the home crowd and a renewed sense of purpose, France's men’s basketball team stands on the cusp of a historic achievement. The upcoming final offers a chance to turn decades of pursuit into a golden victory, making the Paris 2024 Olympics an unforgettable chapter in French basketball history.