Historic Victory for France's Men's Basketball Team
France's men’s basketball team is set to compete for a gold medal on home soil at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a historic achievement. This follows a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the semifinals, a game that was a nail-biter until the very end.
For the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the host nation will advance to the gold-medal game in men’s basketball, an accomplishment that has infused the team with immense pride and anticipation. France’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth, with a turbulent group stage that saw a narrow escape against Japan and a significant loss to Germany earlier in the tournament.
It was in this rematch against Germany that France truly showcased their resilience. After defeating Canada in the quarterfinals, France faced Germany again, determined to avenge their previous loss. Germany, however, did not go down without a fight. Closing a 13-point deficit late in the game, they made a spirited comeback that pressured the French side to dig deep.
Victor Wembanyama, a standout player for France, had a significant impact on the game despite facing challenges with his shooting. Wembanyama finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His defensive prowess was on full display, particularly when he blocked a crucial 3-point attempt by Germany’s Dennis Schroder in the fourth quarter, followed by another block on Schroder during a drive to the rim.
Reflecting on the gravity of the moment, Wembanyama said, “The fans made it hard for me not to cry.” His emotion was palpable as he acknowledged the significance of the victory, adding, “It’s a chance to write history.”
The game also saw Frank Ntilikina stepping up big time, scoring a critical three-pointer following Wembanyama’s defensive stand. Guerschon Yabusele led the team with an impressive 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Isaia Cordinier added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, contributing to a well-rounded team performance.
France’s head coach Vincent Collet made strategic adjustments that played a crucial role in the match. Opting to sit Rudy Gobert, who played only five minutes against Germany and a mere three minutes against Canada, Collet relied on Mathias Lessort to provide significant minutes off the bench. These decisions paid off as the team gelled effectively under pressure.
Germany’s relentless play saw them scoring 28 points in the paint, a testament to their aggressive approach. However, France managed to hold them off in the final moments, showcasing their defensive mettle.
As France prepares for the gold-medal game, they await the winner of the USA-Serbia semifinal match to determine their opponent. Their last appearance in a gold-medal game was at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they fell short. The team is now focused on not just competing but clinching their first-ever gold medal in men’s basketball in Olympics history.
With the home crowd rallying behind them and the opportunity to create a legacy, the French team is fueled by both pride and a sense of destiny. The nation’s eyes are on the court, eagerly anticipating what could be a monumental moment in French sports history.