During the quarterfinal game against Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rudy Gobert found himself in an unusual position—on the bench for most of the game. Gobert, known for his NBA prowess and typically dominant presence on the French team, played only three minutes, citing a finger injury as the primary reason. Despite undergoing surgery for the injury before the game, Gobert expressed his determination to participate in the high-stakes match. "I was on the operating table last night. To be able to play in an Olympic quarterfinal, it was incredible," he remarked.
Strategic Adjustments
French coach Vincent Collet made critical lineup changes, opting to start the rising star Victor Wembanyama at center while placing Guerschon Yabusele at power forward. Collet also chose Isaia Cordinier over Evan Fournier for defensive reasons. "They play small ball. I wanted Wemby to start at five, that's why I put Yabusele at four. The other change was Isaia Cordinier for Evan Fournier because I wanted a defensive starting five," Collet explained.
These strategic choices paid off. Yabusele and Cordinier combined for an impressive 42 points, playing pivotal roles in securing France's victory over Canada. Victor Wembanyama also contributed, albeit modestly, finishing with seven points. The Canadian team, previously unbeaten, could not counter France's tactical versatility and depth, ultimately falling short as France advanced to the semifinals.
Gobert's Limited Role
Gobert's limited minutes drew attention, especially given his significant contributions in past games. Draymond Green captured the sentiment, saying, "To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player not named Team USA is kind of crazy." Gobert himself pointed to both his injury and the strategic matchup decisions as reasons for his limited playtime. "There were several reasons why I didn't play, between the matchups but also what can happen in training, with the injuries. It was a good decision in any case," Gobert stated.
Coach Collet confirmed that protecting Gobert was part of the game plan. "He’s a good player. I know he has pain in his finger despite the surgeon saying he could play. He didn't know exactly, but finally, this morning, he said, 'I can play.' My idea was to protect him if I could do it. As it was working well with the other big men, I preferred to keep him on the bench," Collet elaborated. As a result, Gobert watched from the sidelines as his teammates executed the plan to perfection.
Looking Ahead
With France now gearing up for a semifinal clash against Germany, the focus shifts to Gobert's readiness and potential role in the upcoming game. Gobert, who is expected to be available, aims to make a full comeback. However, whether he will reclaim his starting position remains uncertain. Coach Collet emphasized the effectiveness of the lineup adjustments made against Canada, hinting that similar strategic flexibility could be employed in future matches.
France's depth and ability to adapt tactically were pivotal in their victory over a formidable Canadian team. The resilience and strategic acumen demonstrated by the squad underline their determination to pursue Olympic glory. Gobert’s anticipated return adds another layer of excitement to their semifinal matchup, as fans and pundits alike speculate on how France will continue to leverage their talent and tactical versatility.