France's extraordinary run in men’s basketball continues as they secure a spot in the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals has set the stage for what could be a historic moment for French basketball. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation has advanced to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
After navigating a challenging group stage, where they narrowly escaped defeat against Japan and suffered a notable loss to Germany, France has shown remarkable resilience and determination. Their path to the final included a crucial victory over Canada in the quarterfinals and an act of redemption by defeating Germany, the very team that handed them a stinging defeat earlier in the tournament.
A Nail-Biting Semifinal
The semifinal clash against Germany was anything but straightforward. France faced a significant scare as Germany closed a 13-point deficit in the final stages of the game. Victor Wembanyama, despite struggling with his shooting—hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor—played a pivotal role in France's defensive efforts, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His defensive contribution was crucial, blocking a key three-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter and later thwarting Schroder again on a drive to the rim.
Following Wembanyama’s defensive heroics, Frank Ntilikina capitalized by scoring a three-pointer, further solidifying France's lead. Guerschon Yabusele led the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Isaia Cordinier added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Tactical Decisions and Key Performances
Head coach Vincent Collet made a tactical decision to limit star center Rudy Gobert’s playing time, with Gobert logging only five minutes against Germany and just three minutes in the previous game against Canada. Mathias Lessort stepped up, playing significant minutes off the bench, providing the team with needed stability and energy.
Germany's efforts were noteworthy, particularly their 28 points in the paint, which highlighted their inside scoring prowess. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the tactical discipline and defensive tenacity of the French side.
A Historic Opportunity
The significance of this victory was not lost on the players. “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” Victor Wembanyama reflected, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment and the support from the home crowd. Now, France finds itself on the cusp of making history. “It’s a chance to write history,” Wembanyama added, emphasizing the team's focus and determination to seize this unprecedented opportunity.
France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal to discover their opponent in the gold-medal game. Having competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, France is no stranger to the pressures of the ultimate basketball showdown. However, despite their past successes, they have never secured a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history.
With the home crowd behind them and the memory of past near-misses fueling their drive, France’s journey to the final in Paris is a story of grit, redemption, and the quest for a historic triumph. The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying finale, with French basketball on the verge of its most significant achievement yet.