France Pursues Historic Gold in Men’s Basketball at 2024 Paris Olympics After Semifinal Triumph
France’s men’s basketball team has its sights set on a historic achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics following a gripping 73-69 semifinal victory over Germany. This accomplishment marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation has advanced to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
The path to the final has been anything but smooth for France. The group stage was marked by a narrow escape against Japan and a demoralizing loss to Germany. Despite these setbacks, the French squad has shown resilience and tenacity, qualities that were on full display as they defeated Canada in the quarterfinals and avenged their earlier loss to Germany.
The semifinal clash against Germany was a tense affair. France faced an early scare as the Germans erased a 13-point deficit late in the game, pushing the host nation to its limits. The spotlight was undoubtedly on Victor Wembanyama, who, despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, made significant contributions with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His crucial defensive plays in the fourth quarter, including a blocked 3-point attempt and a subsequent drive towards the rim by Germany’s Dennis Schroder, were pivotal in securing the victory.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the victory, Wembanyama remarked, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” His sentiment captures the palpable excitement and pressure surrounding the French team, as they now stand on the cusp of making history. The young star added, “It’s a chance to write history,” underscoring the team’s focus and determination as they prepare for the gold-medal game.
Germany’s paint dominance, illustrated by their 28 points in the area, tested the resilience of the French defense. Head coach Vincent Collet made a strategic decision to limit Rudy Gobert’s playtime, opting instead for Mathias Lessort, who provided valuable minutes off the bench. Gobert, a significant presence on any given night, played merely five minutes against Germany and had seen only three minutes of action against Canada.
Offensively, France was powered by Guerschon Yabusele, who led the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made a critical impact with a well-rounded performance, contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The cohesive effort by the squad demonstrated the depth and versatility of France’s roster, which could be crucial as they await their opponent in the gold-medal game.
The path to the final has been a testament to the team's resolve. As the host nation, the pressure is immense, and the opportunity to win their first-ever gold medal in men’s basketball adds another layer of significance to their journey. The memory of competing for the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they fell short, serves as motivation to grasp this rare opportunity on home soil.
As France awaits the outcome of the USA-Serbia semifinal to determine their opponent, the anticipation continues to build. The team’s performance thus far has captivated a nation, galvanizing support and raising hopes for a historic triumph. Whether facing the defending champions from the USA or the formidable Serbian squad, France’s journey to the final has already cemented its place in the annals of Olympic basketball history.