France Advances to Gold Medal Game in 2024 Paris Olympics
In an electrifying semifinal clash, France’s men’s basketball team earned a place in the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany. 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.
France's journey to the final has been anything but smooth. The group stage saw them narrowly escape defeat against Japan and suffer a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament. However, their resolve has been unwavering, culminating in a spectacular win over Canada in the quarterfinals before avenging their previous loss to Germany.
In the semifinal, France faced a daunting challenge as Germany closed a 13-point deficit late in the game, making for a tense finish. Victor Wembanyama emerged as a pivotal player, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor, his defensive prowess proved crucial. Wembanyama notably blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by Frank Ntilikina sinking a three-pointer off Wembanyama’s defensive stand. Wembanyama thwarted Schroder again on a drive towards the rim, securing France's path to victory.
Head coach Vincent Collet’s tactical decisions played a significant role in the outcome. Opting to sit Rudy Gobert, who had limited playing time with only five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada, Collet relied heavily on Mathias Lessort, who provided significant minutes off the bench. Guerschon Yabusele led the team with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Isaia Cordinier contributed a critical 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Reflecting on the victory, Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” His emotional statement highlights the significance of the win, not just for the team but for the nation. He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” underscoring the team's determination and sense of purpose.
Germany’s offense, which scored 28 points in the paint, posed a significant challenge. Despite this, France's resilience and strategic adjustments ensured they could withstand the late-game pressure and secure their place in the final.
France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent for the gold medal game. This opportunity also symbolizes a chance at redemption, as France competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but has never claimed the top spot in men’s basketball in their Olympic history.
With a mix of emerging talent and strategic leadership, France's team embodies a spirit of perseverance and ambition. As they prepare for the final showdown, the support and expectations of their home crowd will undoubtedly serve as both a motivator and a testament to how far they have come. The gold-medal game promises to be a fitting climax to their Olympic journey, filled with the potential to finally etch their names in the annals of history.