Canada's quest for a medal in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to a disappointing end as they fell to France in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Clash: France vs. Canada
Facing off as eight-point favorites, Canada struggled from the outset, scoring just 10 points in the first quarter under the unyielding defense of France. By halftime, Canada found themselves in a significant hole, down 45-29.
Despite a valiant effort led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a game-high 27 points, Canada couldn't close the gap. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," Gilgeous-Alexander reflected after the game. Fellow Canadian RJ Barrett added 16 points, but no other player managed to hit double digits.
Team Performance and Individual Struggles
Canada's struggles were underscored by Jamal Murray's difficult night. Murray, who had been averaging 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% throughout the tournament, managed just seven points against France on 3 of 13 shooting. His three-point shooting woes continued as he went 2 for 14 in the tournament. His struggles encapsulated the team's broader offensive issues, including a lack of ball movement, as highlighted by head coach Jordi Fernandez: "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
French Dominance
On the flip side, France showcased a balanced attack. Guerschon Yabusele led the team with 22 points, while Evan Fournier contributed 15 points off the bench. Rising star Victor Wembanyama added seven points, and Rudy Gobert chipped in with three minutes of solid defensive play. Despite turning the ball over 17 times, France's cohesive play and relentless defense secured their 82-73 victory.
Reflecting on the Journey
Canada's Olympic campaign, their first since the 2000 Sydney Games, was a historic yet bittersweet journey. The loss to France ended their hopes of facing off against Team USA in the gold medal game—a long-anticipated matchup that won't materialize this time.
Adding to the challenge was the absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who opted out of the 2024 Olympic roster to focus on his upcoming season with the Memphis Grizzlies. His presence might have added the depth Canada needed in such a crucial game.
Post-game, the Canadian team reflected on their journey and the path ahead. Canadian forward Lu Dort summed up the team’s sentiments: "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."
Final Thoughts
Although their journey ended prematurely, the Canadian men's basketball team has set a new benchmark for Canadian hoops on the international stage. This experience, despite its bitter end, could serve as a springboard for future success. With a talented roster and hard lessons learned, Canada will be eagerly looking forward to their next opportunity on the Olympic stage.