The men’s basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics has taken a surprising turn as Canada, a team many viewed as strong contenders, will not be facing Team USA in the gold medal game. This unexpected twist came after Canada’s disappointing quarterfinals performance, where they succumbed to France with a scoreline of 82-73.
A Shaky Start and a Determined France
Entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada had high hopes. However, France’s defense proved impenetrable, holding Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the Canadians were already trailing 45-29, a deficit they were unable to overcome despite a valiant effort in the second half.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the standout performer for Canada, leading the charge with 27 points. But even his heroics couldn’t tilt the game in favor of his team. Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander confessed, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
Key Contributors
France showcased a balanced effort with Guerschon Yabusele netting 22 points and Evan Fournier providing a significant boost off the bench, adding 15 points. Victor Wembanyama, the much-anticipated player, contributed seven points, while NBA star Rudy Gobert saw limited action with just three minutes on the floor.
For Canada, aside from Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, RJ Barrett was the only other player in double figures, scoring 16 points. Their bench struggled collectively, contributing just 16 points compared to France’s deeper rotation.
Offensive Struggles
Canada's offensive woes were glaring. Jamal Murray, who had been a pivotal player throughout the tournament, endured a rough patch, scoring just seven points on 3 of 13 from the field and an abysmal 2 for 14 on three-point attempts during the entire tournament. Highlighting the team’s struggles, head coach Jordi Fernandez remarked, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
These issues were apparent as Canada finished with 14 assists against 14 turnovers, a stark contrast to the execution required at this elite level. Despite France turning the ball over 17 times, Canada failed to capitalize on these opportunities effectively.
A Long-Awaited Return Ends in Disappointment
Canada’s appearance in the Paris Olympics had historical significance, marking their first return to the Olympic stage since the 2000 Sydney Games. This renewed opportunity, however, was hampered by the absence of key players. Incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey’s decision to pull out from the roster to focus on his debut season with the Memphis Grizzlies was indeed a void too significant to fill.
In what was supposed to be a celebratory comeback, the heartache was evident among the players and supporters alike. Reflecting on the untimely end to their journey, Canadian forward Lu Dort expressed the collective sentiment, "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."
The Road Ahead
As Canada processes this tough loss, questions loom over their strategy and cohesion on the international stage. The hope is that this young and talented team, inclusive of stars like Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett, can learn from this setback. There lies a tangible reminder in their collective mistakes and moments of brilliance that could shape their future endeavors.