France Secures Spot in 2024 Olympic Basketball Final with Gritty Win Over Germany
The French men’s basketball team is on the verge of making history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. France earned a much-anticipated spot in the gold-medal game after a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will compete for the top prize in men’s basketball.
The journey to the final has been anything but smooth for the French squad. The group stage presented a series of challenges, including a narrow escape against Japan and a significant defeat to Germany, the very opponent they overcame to reach the final. Their path to victory in the semifinals saw them defeating Canada in the quarterfinals before exacting their revenge on Germany in a tightly contested match.
A Hard-Earned Victory
France faced a formidable opponent in Germany, who nearly overturned a 13-point deficit late in the game. However, key performances from the French lineup ensured that the home fans would have something to cheer about. Rising star Victor Wembanyama contributed significantly, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor. “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” Wembanyama reflected on the emotional impact of the victory, underlining the significance of the win for the home crowd.
In a game where Germany’s inside play was a prominent threat, scoring 28 points in the paint, France countered with crucial defensive stands. Wembanyama’s defensive prowess shone through in critical moments, blocking a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by another block on Schroder’s drive towards the rim. This defensive intensity set the stage for Frank Ntilikina to drain a three-pointer, creating a pivotal momentum shift.
Team Effort and Tactical Choices
Head coach Vincent Collet's tactical maneuvers played a significant role in the outcome. Notably, Collet decided to limit Rudy Gobert's playing time severely, with Gobert logging only five minutes against Germany and three minutes in the previous game against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort stepped up off the bench to play substantial minutes and add depth to the rotation.
On the offensive end, Guerschon Yabusele led the charge with 17 points, complemented by his seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier also made a noteworthy contribution, adding 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. These performances underscore the collective effort that has been a hallmark of the French team throughout the tournament.
A Shot at History
Looking ahead to the gold-medal game, France awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their final opponent. This upcoming game holds a special weight as France competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but fell short. Now, poised to rewrite history, the team is focused and prepared. “It’s a chance to write history,” remarked Wembanyama, capturing the team's resolve and determination.
Despite the ups and downs of the tournament, France’s men’s basketball team has shown resilience and tenacity. They have captured the hearts of their fans and are now just one game away from potentially winning their first-ever gold medal in men’s basketball at the Olympics. With the support of their home crowd and a desire to mark their place in history, the French team is ready for the final challenge that awaits them.