France’s men’s basketball team, driven by a compelling mix of youthful vigor and seasoned resilience, is set to compete for the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The squad showcased their mettle with a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, ensuring their place in the gold-medal game for the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Road to the Final
The journey to this point has been anything but smooth for the French team. A turbulent group stage saw them narrowly escape against Japan and suffer a significant loss to Germany, raising doubts about their capability to go all the way. However, their resolve proved unshakeable. France pulled off a crucial win against Canada in the quarterfinals and demonstrated a fierce determination by avenging their earlier defeat to Germany in the semifinals.
Key Players and Moments
Victor Wembanyama, despite encountering shooting woes by hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, played a pivotal role in the semifinal victory. He contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His defensive brilliance was particularly evident when he blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, a moment that turned the tide of the game. “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” Wembanyama reflected, underscoring the emotional significance of the win.
Complementing Wembanyama's efforts, Frank Ntilikina sank a three-pointer following the pivotal defensive stand. Moreover, Wembanyama once again proved his defensive prowess by blocking Schroder on a drive towards the rim shortly after.
France's victory was also marked by the strategic decisions of head coach Vincent Collet. Opting to sit star center Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and a mere three minutes against Canada, Collet placed his trust in Mathias Lessort, who delivered significant contributions off the bench.
Offensively, Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier led the charge. Yabusele topped the scoresheet with 17 points, coupled with seven rebounds and two assists. Cordinier was not far behind, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, showcasing a well-rounded performance.
The Path Forward
France is now set to face the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match in their quest for the elusive gold medal. This marks another significant milestone as they competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but fell short. Despite their historical struggles, with France having never won gold in men’s basketball in Olympics history, the team and its supporters are buoyed by the prospect of rewriting the record books. “It’s a chance to write history,” Wembanyama aptly remarked, capturing the team’s resolve and focus.
Germany, who posed a formidable challenge by closing a 13-point deficit late in the game and scoring 28 points in the paint, eventually succumbed to France's combined defensive rigor and strategic brilliance. The semifinal triumph not only serves as a testament to the team's robust character but also sets the stage for what could be a historic achievement on home soil. As anticipation builds, France stands on the cusp of converting their enduring Olympic dream into a golden reality.