France’s men’s basketball team is on the brink of making history as they prepare to compete for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics following a thrilling 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will advance to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
The path to this moment has been anything but smooth for France. After enduring a turbulent group stage, which included a nail-biting escape against Japan and a heavy defeat to Germany, the team managed to regain their composure. Their journey to the final included defeating Canada in the quarterfinals and avenging their earlier loss to Germany in the semifinals.
Resilient Performance
Victory, however, wasn't assured. France faced a fierce challenge as Germany closed a 13-point deficit late in the game. Key to France's success was the performance of the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama, who contributed with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, Wembanyama's defensive plays were crucial in the final moments.
Wembanyama's defensive prowess came to the fore when he blocked a critical 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter. This defensive stand was immediately followed by Frank Ntilikina scoring a pivotal three-pointer. Wembanyama then blocked Schroder again on a drive towards the rim, solidifying France's hold on the game.
Strategic Decisions
Head coach Vincent Collet made a bold move by opting to sit Rudy Gobert, the team's defensive anchor, who played just five minutes against Germany and a mere three minutes in the quarterfinal clash against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort was called upon to play significant minutes off the bench, a decision that paid off for Collet and the team.
France's offensive efforts were led by Guerschon Yabusele, who top-scored with 17 points, while also contributing seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, ensuring that France had a balanced and potent offensive attack.
Awaiting the Final Opponent
With this victory, France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. This is a particularly poignant moment for France, as they had previously competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but fell short. Notably, France has never won a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history, adding an extra layer of motivation for the team.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Victor Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” highlighting the team's resolve and focus as they edge closer to a historic achievement.
The stage is set for a momentous final, and France is poised to seize the opportunity to create history on home soil. The journey has been arduous, filled with highs and lows, but the French team’s resilience and strategic acumen have brought them to the brink of an unprecedented triumph in men’s basketball.