Canada's aspirations for men's basketball gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed in a surprising quarterfinals matchup against France. Entering the highly anticipated game as eight-point favorites, the Canadian team faced an uphill battle from the outset, ultimately falling 82-73.
Early Challenges
From the tip-off, it was evident that Canada was in for a rough game. France's defense clamped down early, limiting Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, Canada found themselves in a 16-point deficit, trailing 45-29.
"We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," said star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who did his best to keep Canada afloat with a game-high 27 points.
Key Performances
France's balanced attack and stifling defense played a pivotal role in their victory. Guerschon Yabusele led the French squad with 22 points, while Evan Fournier added a crucial 15 points off the bench. Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points, and despite Rudy Gobert's limited playing time of just three minutes, France's interior defense remained formidable.
On the Canadian side, RJ Barrett chipped in 16 points, but no other player managed to reach double figures. Jamal Murray’s struggles were particularly glaring as he scored just seven points on 3 of 13 shooting, continuing his tournament-long shooting woes. Murray had averaged only 5.6 points per game while shooting 33.9% from the field and a dismal 2 for 14 from beyond the arc.
Tactical Missteps
Head coach Jordi Fernandez didn’t mince words when discussing his team’s shortcomings. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Fernandez lamented. The statistics back up his claim, as Canada ended the game with an equal number of assists and turnovers at 14 each.
Despite France committing 17 turnovers, Canada could not capitalize on these opportunities. The team's offensive stagnation and inability to break through France's defense were apparent throughout the match.
A Painful Reality
Canada's bench was another point of concern, contributing just 16 points in total. The void left by incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who pulled out of the Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was palpable. Veteran forward Lu Dort expressed his disappointment, saying, "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."
Looking Ahead
Canada’s unsuccessful bid in Paris marks their first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games, a significant milestone despite the early exit. Their performance serves as a stark reminder of the level of play required on the international stage and highlights areas for improvement if they hope to compete for medals in future tournaments.
The high expectations placed on Canada underscore their potential, but the loss to France highlights the need for this squad to fine-tune their chemistry and execution under pressure. As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poignantly put it, the team will have to reflect on this setback and learn from it as they aim to return stronger.
Although the journey in Paris ended sooner than anticipated, the experiences and lessons gleaned from this Olympic outing will undoubtedly serve as stepping stones for the future of Canadian men’s basketball. The spotlight now shifts to how this team will regroup, adapt, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.