Canada's dream of facing Team USA in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics was dashed, following a quarterfinal loss to France. The tournament brackets had set the stage for a potential showdown between the North American rivals, but that possibility was extinguished after a bruising encounter on the court.
Quarterfinal Clash: Canada vs. France
Entering the match as eight-point favorites, Canada was expected to advance with relative ease. However, France had other plans, securing an 82-73 victory and sending Canada home. The tone was set early, with France's defense limiting Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the deficit had ballooned to 45-29, leaving Canada with a mountain to climb.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of Canada's standout players, led with 27 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome France's balanced attack and stout defense. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," Gilgeous-Alexander lamented after the game.
Key Performers and Missed Opportunities
France's strong defensive effort was complemented by contributions from several players. Victor Wembanyama, the highly-touted prospect, added seven points, while Guerschon Yabusele delivered an impressive 22-point performance. Evan Fournier chipped in with 15 points off the bench. France's depth proved pivotal as they managed to outmaneuver and outmuscle the Canadians throughout the game.
On the other side, Canada struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, who scored 16 points. No other Canadian player reached double figures. Jamal Murray, who had been averaging a modest 5.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 33.9% in the tournament, continued to struggle. He managed just seven points on 3 of 13 shooting and went 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts across the entire tournament.
Coaching Reflections
Canada's head coach Jordi Fernandez did not mince words in his assessment of the game. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Fernandez said, highlighting the team's struggles. Canada finished with a one-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio, recording 14 in each column, compared to France's 17 turnovers.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
This Olympic appearance was Canada's first since the 2000 Sydney Games, adding an extra layer of disappointment to the early exit. The team had high hopes of making a deep run, but will now have to wait another four years to try again. One notable absence was incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who pulled out from the 2024 Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. His presence might have provided the depth and interior presence Canada lacked.
Reflecting on the loss, Canadian forward Lu Dort expressed the collective disappointment felt by the team. "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," he said, emphasizing the long road ahead.
Ultimately, the loss to France serves as a harsh reminder of the fine margins in international basketball. For Canada, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for future competitions, with a renewed determination to break through on the world stage.