France's men's basketball team has secured its spot to compete for a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics following an intense 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will advance to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The path to the finals has been anything but straightforward for France. A turbulent group stage saw them narrowly escape a setback against Japan before suffering a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament. Despite these early hiccups, France managed to find their rhythm, defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and subsequently avenging their earlier loss to Germany.
The semifinal clash with Germany proved to be a nail-biter. France faced an early scare as Germany closed a 13-point deficit late in the game. However, the host nation held their nerve to clinch the victory, riding on crucial performances from several key players.
Defensive Masterclass by Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama was instrumental in France's defensive stand. Though he hit only 4 of 17 shots from the floor, Wembanyama tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His defensive efforts shone brightest in the critical moments of the game, notably when he blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter. Following Wembanyama’s defensive stand, Frank Ntilikina drained a three-pointer, providing France some much-needed breathing room.
Wembanyama’s defensive prowess continued as he blocked Schroder again on a drive towards the rim, further demoralizing the German side. Speaking emotionally about the victory, Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” His determination and focus were evident as he remarked, "It’s a chance to write history."
Tactical Decisions Amidst the Battle
France's head coach, Vincent Collet, made several strategic decisions that paid dividends in the semifinals. He opted to sit Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada, favoring Mathias Lessort who played significant minutes off the bench. Collet’s tactical flexibility showcased his ability to adapt to the dynamics of the game, aiding France in crucial moments.
Guerschon Yabusele led France with a stellar performance, scoring 17 points to go along with seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made significant contributions, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. While Germany managed to score 28 points in the paint, France’s collective effort ensured the team’s advance to the gold-medal game.
Awaiting the Final Showdown
With the victory over Germany, France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. This will be France's second consecutive appearance in the Olympic gold-medal game, having contended for the top spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well. To date, France has never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history.
The 2024 Paris Olympics present an opportunity for France not only to secure their first gold medal but also to make history as the host nation. As Victor Wembanyama aptly put it, "It’s a chance to write history," France’s journey to the finals has been a testament to resilience, strategic depth, and the unyielding support of their fans.
The stage is set for an epic showdown, as France aims to crown their Olympic campaign with a historic gold medal, igniting the hopes and dreams of their home country.