France’s men’s basketball team is gearing up to compete for the gold medal at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Their journey to the finals was cemented with a thrilling 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, marking a historic occasion. This win propels France to the gold-medal game for the first time since they hosted the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The road to the finals hasn't been smooth for France. They had a tumultuous group stage, narrowly escaping defeat against Japan and suffering a substantial loss to Germany earlier in the tournament. However, they showed resilience, overcoming Canada in the quarterfinals, and avenging their initial loss by edging out Germany in a nail-biting semifinal contest.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
France faced an early scare as Germany managed to close a 13-point deficit late in the game. Yet, the French team held their nerve, thanks to a combination of strategic plays and individual brilliance. NBA star Victor Wembanyama played a pivotal role, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor. His defensive prowess was crucial, particularly when he blocked a vital 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter.
Following Wembanyama’s defensive stand, Frank Ntilikina scored a critical three-pointer, further cementing France’s lead. Wembanyama continued to be a thorn in Germany's side, blocking Schroder again on a drive towards the rim, reinforcing his defensive presence when it mattered most.
Key Contributions
While Wembanyama was instrumental, he wasn't alone in this victory. Guerschon Yabusele was the team’s leading scorer, racking up 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made significant contributions with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Their performances ensured that France had the firepower required to outlast Germany.
Head coach Vincent Collet made some bold decisions during the game, including opting to sit Rudy Gobert, who played a mere five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort was called upon to provide significant minutes off the bench, a strategy that appeared to pay dividends as France leaned on their depth to secure victory.
The Road Ahead
Now, France eagerly awaits the outcome of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. This marks their second consecutive appearance in the gold-medal game, having also competed for the top honor at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, the French team is yet to clinch a gold medal in the history of Olympic men’s basketball.
The atmosphere in France is charged with anticipation and emotion. Reflecting on the victory, Victor Wembanyama expressed the emotional weight of the moment, saying, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” He also acknowledged the importance of the opportunity ahead, stating, “It’s a chance to write history.”
For France, the Paris Olympics represent not just a shot at redemption but also a golden opportunity to make history on home soil. As they prepare for the final, this team carries the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to witness their maiden gold-medal triumph in men’s basketball.