A Historic Opportunity for France’s Men's Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics
In a thrilling semifinal clash, France’s men’s basketball team emerged victorious over Germany with a 73-69 win, earning their place in the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for the gold in men’s basketball.
France’s journey to the final was anything but smooth. They encountered a roller coaster of challenges during the group stage, narrowly escaping defeat against Japan while suffering a significant loss to Germany. However, they redeemed themselves by defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their earlier group-stage loss to Germany.
The semifinal match against Germany was a nail-biter. France saw their comfortable lead shrink as Germany rallied to close a 13-point deficit late in the game. France’s defensive stand was key, with standout performances from the team’s rising star, Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama recorded 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, proving his invaluable contribution despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor.
One of the game’s pivotal moments came when Wembanyama blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by another block on Schroder’s drive towards the rim. This defensive prowess from the young forward was complemented by Frank Ntilikina, who scored a critical three-pointer right after Wembanyama’s defensive stand.
Coaching decisions also played a crucial role in the game. Head coach Vincent Collet made the call to sit Rudy Gobert, who played limited minutes against Germany and in the preceding match against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort provided essential minutes off the bench, supporting the starting lineup effectively.
Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the leading scorer for France, tallying 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made a significant impact with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, showcasing the depth and versatility of the French roster. Germany, despite their efforts, managed to score 28 points in the paint but fell short in the end.
As France prepares for the gold-medal match, the anticipation and emotions are running high. Reflecting on the victory, Victor Wembanyama shared, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” highlighting the emotional weight of the moment. He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” underscoring the team's resolve and focus as they stand on the brink of a momentous achievement.
The next challenge for France will be against the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match. Both potential opponents bring their unique strengths and strategies, setting the stage for an intense showdown. This will be France’s second consecutive appearance in an Olympic gold-medal basketball game, having competed for the title in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Despite the rich history of French basketball, winning a gold medal in men’s basketball has eluded them. The 2024 Paris Olympics present a golden opportunity not just for the team but for the nation, eager to see their team ascend to the highest pinnacle of the sport. With home-court advantage and a determined squad, France aims to cement their legacy and finally bring home the gold.