Canada will not be making an appearance in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a quarterfinal defeat to France. Entering the contest as eight-point favorites, Canada struggled to find their rhythm and ultimately fell 82-73 to a resilient French team.
Early Struggles for Canada
The game began on a challenging note for the Canadian squad as France's defense limited Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the Canadians found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 45-29. “We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us,” reflected Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led Canada with 27 points.
Coach Jordi Fernandez also expressed his frustration. “We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball,” he said.
French Team's Key Players
France displayed a well-rounded team effort in their victory. Guerschon Yabusele's 22 points, combined with Evan Fournier's 15 points off the bench, proved crucial. Rising star Victor Wembanyama added seven points to the French tally, showcasing his potential on the Olympic stage. Although Rudy Gobert played only three minutes, his presence added a layer of intimidation that the Canadians had to contend with.
Canada's Offensive Woes
On the Canadian side, RJ Barrett managed to score 16 points, yet no other player reached double figures. Jamal Murray, who had been struggling throughout the tournament, scored seven points on 3 of 13 shooting in the quarterfinal clash. Over the tournament, Murray had been averaging 5.6 points and shooting only 33.9% from the field, including a dismal 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts.
Canada's bench contributed just 16 points, underscoring the team’s lack of depth in the game. With 14 assists against 14 turnovers, the Canadian offense faltered at critical moments. Despite France turning the ball over 17 times, Canada couldn't capitalize on these opportunities.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
This Olympic appearance was a significant milestone for Canada, marking their first since the 2000 Sydney Games. Nevertheless, the loss left the team grappling with unfulfilled expectations. “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,” lamented Canadian forward Lu Dort.
The Canadian roster had to cope with the absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew to focus on his upcoming season with the Memphis Grizzlies. While the team certainly felt his absence, it was the collective lack of execution and coherence that ultimately led to their downfall.
As Canada reflects on their journey in Paris, they'll need to address both their structural and mental lapses. The silver lining, however, lies in the experience gained by this relatively young team, which could translate into a stronger performance in future international competitions.