France Eyes Historic Gold at Paris 2024 Olympics After Semifinal Triumph
France’s men’s basketball team has advanced to the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a gripping 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This milestone marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for the top prize in men’s basketball, a testament to their focus and resilience throughout the tournament.
The journey to the final has been anything but straightforward for France. The squad navigated a tumultuous group stage, narrowly escaping defeat against Japan and suffering a significant early loss to the same Germany team they would later vanquish in the semifinals. Yet, it was this very adversity that seemed to fortify their resolve. In the quarterfinals, France overcame a tough Canadian side to set up the semifinal clash with Germany, where they managed to right previous wrongs and secure their place in the final.
One of the standout performances in the semifinal came from Victor Wembanyama, who delivered an all-around effort with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Despite struggling with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, Wembanyama made crucial defensive plays that underscored his impact on the game. His pivotal block of a 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter and another on Schroder's drive towards the rim were defining moments in the match.
Reflecting on the victory, Wembanyama was emotionally moved by the home crowd's overwhelming support. “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” he said, recognizing the significance of the win and the moment. He also acknowledged the historical opportunity that lies ahead for the team, stating, “It’s a chance to write history.”
Frank Ntilikina played a notable role as well, especially in the aftermath of Wembanyama’s crucial defensive contributions. Ntilikina capitalized on the momentum with a timely three-pointer, further extending France's lead during a critical juncture of the game.
In an unanticipated coaching decision, head coach Vincent Collet chose to limit the playing time of Rudy Gobert, who logged only five minutes against Germany and a mere three minutes in the quarterfinal against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort took on significant minutes off the bench, providing valuable contributions that compensated for Gobert’s reduced presence on the court. Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the leading scorer with 17 points, adding seven rebounds and two assists to his stat line. Isaia Cordinier also made his mark with a versatile performance, tallying 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Germany did not go down without a fight. They mounted a late-game surge, trimming a 13-point deficit and putting France under immense pressure. France's defensive fortitude ultimately held firm, particularly in the painted area where Germany managed to score 28 points, reflecting their aggressive inside play.
As France prepares for the gold-medal game, they await the outcome of the USA-Serbia semifinal to determine their final opponent. The prospect of facing either powerhouse adds an extra layer of anticipation to an already historic moment for French basketball. This appearance in the final is reminiscent of their 2020 Tokyo Olympics campaign, where they competed valiantly but fell short of gold. Remarkably, France has never clinched an Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball, making this opportunity all the more momentous.
The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the basketball tournament in Paris. With the support of their home crowd and a roster brimming with both young talent and veteran presence, France is poised to seize their chance at making history. As Wembanyama poignantly expressed, and the entire team undoubtedly believes, “It’s a chance to write history.”