Canada will not have the opportunity to face Team USA in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The brackets positioned Canada and the United States on opposite ends post-group stage, and Canada needed to overcome several hurdles to reach the finals. Unfortunately, they hit a significant roadblock in the quarterfinals against France.
Coming into the game as eight-point favorites, Canada faced a determined French team that ultimately secured an 82-73 victory. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 27-point performance, Canada's offense struggled to find its rhythm early on.
France's Dominant Start
France's defense was smothering from the outset, limiting Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the Canadian team found itself trailing 45-29, a deficit that proved too substantial to overcome. Gilgeous-Alexander shared his frustration after the game, stating, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
France's victory was a collective effort. Guerschon Yabusele led the charge with 22 points, while Evan Fournier contributed 15 points off the bench. Victor Wembanyama added seven points to the mix, showcasing the depth of the French roster. Rudy Gobert, albeit with limited minutes, provided key defensive plays in his three-minute appearance.
Canada's Struggles
Canada's bench struggled to make a significant impact, scoring a combined 16 points. RJ Barrett was the only other Canadian player besides Gilgeous-Alexander to reach double figures, tallying 16 points. Jamal Murray, who had been averaging 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field in the tournament, continued to struggle. He managed to score seven points on 3 of 13 shooting against France and went 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts during the entire tournament.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the team's lack of cohesion. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," he said.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Turnovers were another critical factor in Canada's downfall. They finished with 14 assists against 14 turnovers, while France turned the ball over 17 times. Despite the turnovers, the Canadians were unable to capitalize on their opponent's mistakes.
A Historical Context
This Olympic appearance was particularly notable for Canada as it marked their first since the 2000 Sydney Games. The high expectations and hopes of progressing further in the tournament made the loss even harder to digest for the team and its supporters. Lu Dort, a forward for the Canadian team, highlighted the emotional gravity of the defeat. "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," Dort stated.
Another key storyline for Canada was the absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who had pulled out from the Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. His presence might have provided the additional depth Canada needed in critical moments.
The Canadian team will undoubtedly need to reflect on this loss and strategize for future competitions. Their early exit is a sobering reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of international basketball, and it underscores the importance of preparation, cohesion, and adaptability in high-stakes scenarios.
The journey to Olympic greatness for Canada is far from over. The next steps involve a thorough review of their performance in Paris and a relentless commitment to improving their game. Only then can they hope to realize their Olympic dreams in the future.