France’s men’s basketball team is on the cusp of a monumental achievement as they clinched a nail-biting 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, securing their place in the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This groundbreaking advance has marked the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that the host nation will vie for the ultimate prize in men’s basketball.
A Tumultuous Path
The journey to this pivotal moment was anything but smooth for the French team. After nearly being eliminated in the group stage following a narrow win against Japan and suffering a significant defeat to Germany, France managed to claw their way back. A critical victory against Canada in the quarterfinals set the stage for a high-stakes rematch against the Germans, which saw France triumph and exorcize the ghosts of their earlier game.
In the semifinal clash, France appeared to be in control with a substantial 13-point lead. However, Germany mounted a fierce comeback in the latter stages, closing the gap and injecting a palpable sense of tension into the game. The resilience of the French team shone through, particularly through the performance of Victor Wembanyama, who played a pivotal role in maintaining the lead.
Wembanyama's Impact
Despite a less-than-stellar shooting night, hitting only 4 of 17 attempts from the floor, Wembanyama’s influence on the game was undeniable. He tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, providing a significant defensive backbone for his team. His crucial block against Germany’s Dennis Schroder's 3-point attempt in the fourth quarter was complemented by a timely three-pointer from teammate Frank Ntilikina, moments after.
Wembanyama also delivered a key defensive stop, blocking another attempt by Schroder on a drive toward the rim. Reflecting on the grim determination and emotional weight of the victory, he expressed, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry,” underscoring the depth of feeling and the significance of this achievement for the host nation.
Strategic Moves
France’s head coach, Vincent Collet, made strategic adjustments that paid dividends. Notably, he opted to keep Rudy Gobert, usually a central figure, on the bench for most of the game. Gobert played a mere five minutes against Germany and had a limited role in the quarterfinals against Canada. Instead, Mathias Lessort was brought into the fray, offering critical minutes off the bench.
Guerschon Yabusele emerged as the top scorer for France, leading the charge with 17 points, while also contributing seven rebounds and two assists. Isaia Cordinier added another layer of consistency with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, rounding out a robust team performance that overcame Germany’s 28 points scored in the paint.
The Road Ahead
France now stands on the brink of making history, awaiting the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their adversary in the gold-medal game. This marks their second consecutive Olympics battling for the top honor, having competed in the final during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, despite their persistence and prowess, France has never clinched a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history.
Victor Wembanyama summed up the sentiments of the team aptly, stating, “It’s a chance to write history.” With the determination and spirit exhibited throughout the tournament, the French team is poised to seize this moment, to etch their names into the annals of Olympic legacy on home soil.