France’s men’s basketball team secured a dramatic 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, booking their place in the gold-medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This marks a historic occasion for the host nation, as it is the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that France will compete in the gold-medal game in men’s basketball.
A Tumultuous Path to the Semifinals
The journey to the gold-medal game was anything but straightforward for the French team. During the group stage, they barely edged past Japan and suffered a significant defeat to Germany. Despite these challenges, France rallied to defeat Canada in the quarterfinals, setting up a rematch with Germany in the semifinals.
In the semifinal clash, France faced an early scare as Germany managed to close a 13-point deficit late in the game. However, the French team, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, held their nerve to avenge their earlier loss to Germany and advance to the final.
Victor Wembanyama’s Impact
Victor Wembanyama, who finished the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, played a crucial role in the victory despite hitting only 4 of 17 from the floor. His defensive prowess was on full display as he blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter and then blocked Schroder again on a drive towards the rim.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” He added, “It’s a chance to write history,” emphasizing the team’s resolve and focus.
Strong Team Effort
France's victory was a collective effort with significant contributions from several players. 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. Head coach Vincent Collet made the strategic decision to sit Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and three minutes against Canada. In Gobert's absence, Mathias Lessort played significant minutes off the bench, providing valuable support.
Germany put up a strong fight, with 28 points in the paint, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the determined French side.
Awaiting the Final Opponent
France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent in the gold-medal game. This will be France’s second consecutive appearance in the gold-medal game, having competed for the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, France has yet to win a gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympic history, making this an eagerly anticipated showdown.
As the home crowd in Paris gears up for the final, the French team remains focused on making history. With Wembanyama and his teammates determined to seize this golden opportunity, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.