France Secures Spot in Gold-Medal Game at 2024 Paris Olympics
France’s men’s basketball team is poised for a historic moment as they advanced to the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, thanks to a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for gold in men’s basketball.
France's journey to the finals has been nothing short of dramatic. The team faced a turbulent group stage, narrowly escaping a defeat against Japan and suffering a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament. However, they turned the tables in the knockout stages, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their earlier loss to Germany in the semifinals.
Star performance by Victor Wembanyama was instrumental in the victory, despite a challenging shooting night where he managed to hit only 4 of his 17 attempts from the floor. Wembanyama contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Reflecting on the significance of the victory, an emotional Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” He also acknowledged the opportunity ahead, remarking, “It’s a chance to write history.”
The game itself was a nail-biter, with France facing a scare in the final moments as Germany closed a 13-point deficit late in the game. Defensive plays were crucial, with Wembanyama blocking a pivotal 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter and another drive towards the rim by Schroder later in the game. Frank Ntilikina capitalized on Wembanyama’s defensive stand by scoring a crucial three-pointer.
France's Bench Depth Proves Crucial
Head coach Vincent Collet made a strategic decision to sit Rudy Gobert, who had limited playing time with just five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort stepped up, playing significant minutes off the bench. Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the top scorer, leading the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also delivered a noteworthy performance, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Defensive Resilience and Team Effort
Germany managed to score 28 points in the paint, showcasing their aggressive interior play. However, France’s defensive resilience and team effort shone through, with crucial contributions across the roster. The team’s ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan under pressure was commendable.
Awaiting the Final Showdown
With this victory, France now eagerly awaits the outcome of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. The upcoming match represents a chance for France to secure their first-ever gold medal in men’s basketball, a feat they narrowly missed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The anticipation surrounding the final is palpable, as France stands on the brink of making history on their home soil. The dedication, hard work, and unity displayed by the team have brought them to this pivotal moment, and the country is ready to back them in their quest for Olympic glory.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable finish to the men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.